2004 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 16 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 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
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, 1988 Porsche 944 (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 944 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
