2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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, 2012 Porsche 911 (459 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2355 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
