1996 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2008 Porsche Cayman is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2008 Porsche Cayman.
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 (320 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Porsche Cayman. (273 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Porsche Cayman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2008 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
