2001 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2001 BMW M3. (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
