2004 BMW 118 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 26 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 118 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
