1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Porsche 944
To start off, 1986 Porsche 944 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1986 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Porsche 944. (196 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 66 L |
