1998 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 911 (443 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2012 BMW 640. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 640. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 334 kg more than 1998 Porsche 911.
Because 1998 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 640. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Porsche 911. (583 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Porsche 911. 2012 BMW 640 has automatic transmission and 1998 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1998 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Porsche 911 | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 911 | 640 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 443 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 296 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1456 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
