2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2011 Porsche Panamera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2011 Porsche Panamera. (250 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Porsche Panamera.
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, 2011 Porsche Panamera (550 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2011 Porsche Panamera 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. 2011 Porsche Panamera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | Panamera |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
