2004 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (530 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (699 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2012 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
