1988 Porsche 944 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (225 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 944 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2680 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2968 mm |
