1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Porsche 930
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Porsche 930 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 1978 Porsche 930 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 930 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 | 1978 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 930 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
