1995 BMW 317 vs. 1985 Porsche 944
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Porsche 944 (221 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Porsche 944 (330 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1985 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 317 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
