1971 BMW 3 vs. 1998 Porsche 993
To start off, 1998 Porsche 993 is newer by 27 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 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 993 (395 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Porsche 993 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Porsche 993 (542 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1998 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 993 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2280 mm |
