1998 BMW Z3 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 Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
