1999 BMW 323 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 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 1987 Porsche 959.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 BMW 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 959 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 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
