2003 BMW X3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 911. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | X3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
