2003 BMW X3 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1987 Porsche 959.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | X3 | 959 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2270 mm |
