2008 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1983 Porsche 959.
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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 959 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2280 mm |
