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 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 71 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 550 kg more than 2012 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche 911. (440 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche 911. 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 | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2451 mm |
