2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
