1995 BMW S3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1995 BMW S3. (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (389 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | S3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2451 mm |
