1988 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1986 Porsche 944. (188 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Porsche 944 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1988 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, both vehicles can yield 230 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1986 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 227 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 | 1296 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
