1998 BMW 323 vs. 2008 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2008 Porsche Cayman is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 3,386 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 132 kg more than 2008 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2008 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 2008 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2008 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 275 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
