1996 BMW 523 vs. 2009 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche 911 (409 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Porsche 911 (405 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2009 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 523 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1290 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
