2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Porsche 993
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 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 993. (282 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Porsche 993. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 159 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche 993. (342 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche 993.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 993 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 342 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2280 mm |
