1996 Porsche 993 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 993 (282 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 83 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993.
Because 1996 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 993 (341 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1996 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 993 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 993 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
