1997 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 15 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 BMW 318. 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
