1998 BMW Z3 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 Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 Cayman | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | Z3 | Cayman |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 191 HP | 265 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7200 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 299 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 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 | 1460 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4376 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1303 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2416 mm |