1997 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayenne is newer by 12 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, 2009 Porsche Cayenne (380 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 409 kg more than 2009 Porsche Cayenne.
Because 2009 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2009 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2009 Porsche Cayenne (500 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2009 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2009 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4806 cc |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
