1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,385 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2009 Porsche Cayman has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Porsche Cayman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3385 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
