1998 Porsche 993 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 993 (395 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 Porsche 993.
Because 1998 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 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, 1998 Porsche 993 (542 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1998 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1998 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Porsche 993 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 993 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2890 mm |
