1997 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 (424 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1997 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Porsche 911. (530 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche 911 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 911 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 424 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 335 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 67 L |
