2003 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 911. (232 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1981 Porsche 911. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 911. (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | M3 | 911 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3164 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 284 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 74.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |