2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (376 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 996 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4. 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (386 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z4 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 89 L |
