1997 BMW 850 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 7 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (377 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2004 Porsche 911.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche 911. (385 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche 911. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2004 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2004 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 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 306 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
