1998 BMW M vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Porsche Cayman. (320 HP @ 7200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2012 Porsche Cayman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 100 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman. 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 Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 64 L |
