1989 Porsche 944 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1989 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1989 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Porsche 944. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1989 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1989 Porsche 944 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Porsche 944 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 944 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2477 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 51 L |
