1990 BMW 850 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (444 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Porsche 911.
Because 2004 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
