1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 14 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (620 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 80 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (699 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 620 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4468 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
