1996 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Porsche 993
To start off, 1998 Porsche 993 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 993 (283 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1998 Porsche 993.
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, 1998 Porsche 993 (347 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 1998 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 993 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2280 mm |
