1996 BMW 725 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 16 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (404 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725.
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 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2012 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. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 725 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 404 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2350 mm |
