2001 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (315 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2005 Porsche 996.
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, 2005 Porsche 996 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
