1972 BMW 3 vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 1983 Porsche 959 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1972 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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2280 mm |
