2006 BMW 120 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 120 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2360 mm |
