1996 Porsche 993 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 15 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 993. (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Porsche 993. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche 993. (355 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche 993.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 993 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 993 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3746 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2969 mm |
