2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
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, 1978 Porsche 911 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
