1999 BMW 323 vs. 1981 Porsche 928
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 928. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 928 would be higher. At 4,472 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 928 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 928 (238 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 928 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1981 Porsche 928.
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, 1981 Porsche 928 (356 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 928 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1981 Porsche 928 has manual transmission. 1981 Porsche 928 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1981 Porsche 928 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | 928 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 356 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
