2004 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,387 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 911 (296 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Porsche 911.
Because 1998 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Porsche 911 (350 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 1998 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1998 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 320 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 275 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
