2005 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Porsche 911 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 151 more horse power than 1980 Porsche 911. (172 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 578 kg more than 1980 Porsche 911. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Porsche 911. (256 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1980 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 227 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 | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
