1983 BMW 320 vs. 2000 Porsche 996
To start off, 2000 Porsche 996 is newer by 17 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 3,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Porsche 996 (296 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Porsche 996 weights approximately 325 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 2000 Porsche 996 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, 2000 Porsche 996 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, 2000 Porsche 996 (357 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 2000 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 320 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2360 mm |
