1996 BMW 725 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (444 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2004 Porsche 911.
Because 2004 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 725. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2004 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 725 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2360 mm |
