1974 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2011 Porsche Cayman is newer by 37 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 103 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2011 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2416 mm |
