2006 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 911 (443 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1998 Porsche 911.
Because 1998 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Porsche 911 (583 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1998 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 443 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 92 L |
