1986 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Porsche 924
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Porsche 924. (174 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Porsche 924. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Porsche 924 weights approximately 9 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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, 1980 Porsche 924 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1980 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1980 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 924 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
