1999 BMW 330 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 330 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 191 more horse power than 1999 BMW 330. (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 Porsche 996.
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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Porsche 996. (386 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Porsche 996. 1999 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 330 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 89 L |
