1997 BMW 850 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 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 300 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (650 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2350 mm |
