2008 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Toyota Carina

To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW M3 1988 Toyota Carina
Make BMW Toyota
Model M3 Carina
Year Released 2008 1988
Body Type Convertible Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3246 cc 1587 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 338 HP 94 HP
Engine RPM 7900 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 365 Nm 135 Nm
Torque RPM 4900 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.1 mm 85.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 91 mm 70 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1655 kg 1080 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 2530 mm