2005 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Porsche 924
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 924. (124 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 924. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1978 Porsche 924. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 924. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 924.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1978 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 924 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
