1999 BMW 323 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 80 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 (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 323 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
