2003 Porsche 996 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 is newer by 15 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (208 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 129 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Porsche 996 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 996 | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2390 mm |
