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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 911. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2280 mm |
