1996 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 453 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | M3 | 911 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2992 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Horse Power | 328 HP | 355 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 750 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1179 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |