1990 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche 911 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 67 L |
