1998 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 316 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
