1997 BMW 850 vs. 2001 Porsche 911
To start off, 2001 Porsche 911 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2001 Porsche 911. (300 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2001 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 540 kg more than 2001 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 911 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Porsche 911. (350 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Porsche 911. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2001 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2001 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 285 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
