BMW Z3 vs Toyota Solara
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2008 Toyota Solara
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5i | SE |
| Body style | Convertible | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2008 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,300 | $20,180 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 18 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 184 hp (best) | 155 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft (best) | 158 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 13.8 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,500 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,899 lbs (best) | 3,185 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in | 107.1 in (best) |
| Length | 159.4 in | 192.5 in (best) |
| Width | 68.5 in | 71.5 in (best) |
| Height | 50.9 in | 56.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Toyota SolaraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z3 | Toyota Solara |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5i $31,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $20,180 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.0i $37,700 MSRP | SE $21,010 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.0i $37,900 MSRP | Sport $22,450 MSRP |
| 4 | M $44,990 MSRP | Sport $23,280 MSRP |
| 5 | M $45,990 MSRP | SE V6 $22,510 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SE V6 $27,440 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SLE $24,155 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Sport V6 $24,780 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Sport V6 $29,710 MSRP |
| 10 | — | SLE V6 $27,155 MSRP |
| 11 | — | SLE V6 $30,710 MSRP |
BMW Z3 vs Toyota Solara FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 BMW Z3 vs 2008 Toyota Solara on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2008 Toyota Solara starts lower at $20,180.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,180).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (315).
- Which has better seats: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2008 Toyota Solara?
- The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,500).