2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1983 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1983 Porsche 959 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 | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 959 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2280 mm |
