2001 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1981 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 911. (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 911. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1981 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1981 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 320 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
