1996 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 218 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 525 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
