1974 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2006 Porsche Cayman is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,392 cc, 2006 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Cayman (295 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 18 kg more than 2006 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2006 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 2006 Porsche Cayman has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Porsche Cayman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2006 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 275 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2420 mm |
