1983 BMW 320 vs. 1988 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Porsche 911 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 911 (246 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 911 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1983 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Porsche 911 (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 1988 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 320 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 77 L |
