2004 Porsche 996 vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2011 BMW 530. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 530.
Because 2004 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 530. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche 996. (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche 996. 2011 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2004 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2004 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Porsche 996 | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 996 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 371 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
