2001 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2001 BMW 325 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 325 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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, 2001 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 325 | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 325 | 944 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
