1981 Porsche 930 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,297 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 Porsche 930.
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, 1981 Porsche 930 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1981 Porsche 930 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 930 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 930 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3297 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.4 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
