1987 Porsche 911 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 911 (231 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1987 Porsche 911.
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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Porsche 911. (283 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Porsche 911. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 911 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:
| 1987 Porsche 911 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 911 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.4 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1172 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 51 L |
