1997 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (520 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 2012 BMW 740. (315 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 740.
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 Porsche 911 (685 Nm) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 740. (447 Nm). This means 1997 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 740. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche 911 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 911 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 520 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 685 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3070 mm |
