1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 38 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 3,385 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 150 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.
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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2009 Porsche Cayman has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Porsche Cayman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3385 cc |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 267 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2420 mm |
