2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 911. (276 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 503 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Porsche 911 (650 Nm) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm). This means 1996 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 1996 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2280 mm |
