1997 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2006 Porsche Cayman is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,686 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Porsche Cayman (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318. 2006 Porsche Cayman has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Porsche Cayman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2006 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
