1984 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2360 mm |
