1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1973 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Porsche 911 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1973 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, both vehicles can yield 275 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1973 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1973 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1973 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
