1988 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 Porsche 996.
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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 525 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
