1997 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Porsche 911
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1987 Porsche 911. (231 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1987 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Porsche 911 (283 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1987 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1987 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1172 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
