What To Know
- While the Supra boasts more power and quicker acceleration, the E36 M3’s high-revving engine offers a more engaging driving experience, rewarding the driver with a thrilling symphony of engine noise as the revs climb.
- Both cars have a distinctive character, with the Supra offering a more refined and elegant aesthetic, while the E36 M3 embraces a more aggressive and sporty design.
- The Supra’s turbocharged power and refined handling make it a powerful and comfortable cruiser, while the E36 M3’s high-revving engine and agile handling provide a more engaging and rewarding driving experience.
The Toyota Supra and the BMW E36 M3 are two of the most iconic sports cars of the 1990s. Both cars were known for their incredible performance, sharp handling, and timeless styling. But which one is the better car? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the Toyota Supra vs E36 M3, comparing their performance, handling, design, and practicality to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
Performance: Turbocharged Power vs High-Revving Glory
The Toyota Supra and the BMW E36 M3 offer distinct performance characteristics. The Supra, powered by a 2JZ-GTE engine, boasts a turbocharged advantage, delivering potent acceleration and impressive top speed. The E36 M3, on the other hand, relies on a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six engine, known for its screaming high-revving nature and linear power delivery.
Toyota Supra:
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six (2JZ-GTE)
- Horsepower: 276 hp (US version), 320 hp (Japanese version)
- Torque: 315 lb-ft (US version), 320 lb-ft (Japanese version)
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds (US version), 4.9 seconds (Japanese version)
- Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
BMW E36 M3:
- Engine: 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six (S50B30)
- Horsepower: 282 hp (US version), 286 hp (European version)
- Torque: 236 lb-ft (US version), 243 lb-ft (European version)
- 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds (US version), 5.2 seconds (European version)
- Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
While the Supra boasts more power and quicker acceleration, the E36 M3’s high-revving engine offers a more engaging driving experience, rewarding the driver with a thrilling symphony of engine noise as the revs climb.
Handling: Precision vs Agility
Both the Supra and the E36 M3 are known for their exceptional handling, but they achieve it through different approaches. The Supra’s rear-wheel drive setup and well-balanced chassis provide a stable and predictable driving experience. The E36 M3, with its lighter weight and more responsive steering, offers a more agile and playful feel, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Toyota Supra:
- Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
- Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
- Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front and rear
BMW E36 M3:
- Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
- Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
- Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front and rear
The Supra’s handling is more forgiving and predictable, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice drivers. The E36 M3, on the other hand, demands a more active driving style, rewarding the driver with a more engaging and rewarding experience.
Design: Timeless Elegance vs Aggressive Aesthetics
The Supra and the E36 M3 both feature iconic designs that have aged gracefully. The Supra’s flowing lines and sculpted bodywork exude a timeless elegance, while the E36 M3’s aggressive styling and flared wheel arches signal its performance intentions.
Toyota Supra:
- Exterior: Sleek and aerodynamic bodywork, pop-up headlights, distinctive rear spoiler
- Interior: Driver-focused cockpit, comfortable seats, functional dashboard
BMW E36 M3:
- Exterior: Aggressive styling, flared wheel arches, iconic M3 grille
- Interior: Sporty and functional interior, supportive seats, driver-oriented layout
Both cars have a distinctive character, with the Supra offering a more refined and elegant aesthetic, while the E36 M3 embraces a more aggressive and sporty design.
Practicality: A Compromise vs A Focus on Performance
When it comes to practicality, the Supra and the E36 M3 make compromises in favor of performance. Both cars offer limited cargo space and a two-seater layout. The Supra, with its larger dimensions and hatchback design, provides slightly more cargo space than the E36 M3.
Toyota Supra:
- Cargo space: 10 cubic feet
- Passenger capacity: 2
BMW E36 M3:
- Cargo space: 8.7 cubic feet
- Passenger capacity: 2
Neither car is a practical daily driver, but the Supra offers a slight advantage in terms of cargo space and overall usability.
The Verdict: A Matter of Preference
The Toyota Supra and the BMW E36 M3 are both exceptional sports cars that offer unique driving experiences. The Supra’s turbocharged power and refined handling make it a powerful and comfortable cruiser, while the E36 M3’s high-revving engine and agile handling provide a more engaging and rewarding driving experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Supra and the E36 M3 comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize raw power and a comfortable driving experience, the Supra is the better choice. If you crave an engaging and rewarding driving experience, the E36 M3 is the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Battle
This comparison has highlighted the strengths of both the Toyota Supra and the E36 M3, showcasing their unique characteristics and appealing to different driving preferences. Beyond their performance and design, both cars represent a golden era of sports car development, offering a timeless appeal that continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both the Toyota Supra and the E36 M3 are known for their reliability, but the Supra generally holds a slight edge due to its robust 2JZ-GTE engine. However, proper maintenance is crucial for both cars to ensure long-term reliability.
Q: Which car is easier to modify?
A: The Toyota Supra is widely regarded as the more modifiable car, thanks to its aftermarket support and the potential for significant power gains from the 2JZ-GTE engine. However, the E36 M3 also has a strong aftermarket scene, offering plenty of options for performance upgrades.
Q: Which car is more expensive to maintain?
A: Both cars can be expensive to maintain, especially as they age. However, the E36 M3’s complex engine and suspension can require more specialized parts and labor, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs.
Q: Which car is more collectible?
A: Both the Toyota Supra and the E36 M3 have become highly collectible cars, with values steadily increasing over time. The Supra’s popularity in Japan and its iconic status in the “Fast and Furious” franchise have contributed to its collectible appeal. However, the E36 M3’s reputation as a true driver’s car and its limited production numbers have also made it a sought-after classic.
