2001 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 389 kg more than 1988 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 M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 944 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
