1997 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Porsche Pan Americana would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Porsche Pan Americana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana weights approximately 176 kg more than 1997 BMW M3. 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, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (310 Nm) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1990 Porsche Pan Americana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1990 Porsche Pan Americana | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | Pan Americana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2280 mm |
