Car comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0ivsPorsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E36)

3.0i

286 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1994-1995
VS

Porsche 968 Cabrio

3.0 16V

240 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1991-1995

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.2 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    320 Nm
    236 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    186 hp/t
    138 kW/t
    5.4 kg/hp
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.0 L/100 km
    18.1 mpg US
    21.7 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    230 L
  • Best overall score
    54/100
  • Best performance score
    60/100
  • Best practicality score
    42/100

Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V

  • Lightest
    1,440 kg
    3,175 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.1 L/100 km
    33.1 mpg US
    39.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    841 km
    523 mi
  • Best economy score
    83/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0iPorsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
Power
286hp213kW
240hp179kW
Torque
320Nm236lb-ft
305Nm225lb-ft
Curb weight
1,540kg3,395lb
1,440kg3,175lb
Gross weight
1,930kg4,255lb
1,790kg3,946lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
252 km/h
157 mph
To 99% top speed
85.8s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
86.9s99% target: 249 km/h / 155 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.2s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
22.6s
Calculated
24.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.9s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
14.8L/100 km15.9mpg US19.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.3s
Calculated
14.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
186hp/t138kW/t84hp/1000 lb
Calculated
167hp/t124kW/t76hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
208Nm/t139lb-ft/ton
Calculated
212Nm/t142lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
841km523mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,990cc182cu in
2,990cc182cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,320mm170in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,735mm68in
Height
1,340mm53in
1,275mm50in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,400mm94in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,470mm58in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,450mm57in
Trunk volume
230L
225L
Max trunk volume-
510L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2
Fuel tank
65L
74L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0iPorsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16VPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i: Power / Torque
  • Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i7,000 rpm3,600 rpm7,250 rpm
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V6,200 rpm4,100 rpm6,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0iPorsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.9 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.2 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
22.6 s
24.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
252 km/h
157 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.4 s
9.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.0 s
12.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.3 s
14.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
163 km/h
102 mph
160 km/h
99 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
240 hp
179 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i has 46 hp more than Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V.

The biggest power difference is between Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V and BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i: 46 hp (34 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
305 Nm
225 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
1,440 kg
3,175 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
252 km/h
157 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i6.2 s
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V6.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i and Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V: 0.3 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
167 hp/t
124 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
714 km
444 mi
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
841 km
523 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
6.2 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
240 hp
179 kW
6.5 s
252 km/h
157 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
Power
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
252 km/h
157 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,275 mm
50.2 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
Power
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
252 km/h
157 mph
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.2 s
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
6.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
167 hp/t
124 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0iPorsche968 Cabrio3.0 16V
Power
286 hp
213 kW
240 hp
179 kW
Torque
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
305 Nm
225 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.2 s
6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
252 km/h
157 mph
Lightness
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
1,440 kg
3,175 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,275 mm
50.2 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
841 km
523 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
167 hp/t
124 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0iPorsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km15.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi24.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year2,310 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i

  • Has 46 hp more
  • Has 15 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 8 km/h (5 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 19 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 5 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V

  • Is 100 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 127 km (79 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i
Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

3.0i
3.0i
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
3.0 16V
3.0 8V Turbo S
VS
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16VvsPorsche9683.0 8V Turbo S
3.0i
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
3.0 16V
3.6
VS
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16VvsPorsche911 Speedster3.6
3.0i
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
3.0 16V
3.2 Carrera CAT
VS
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16VvsPorsche911 Cabriolet (G)3.2 Carrera CAT
3.0i
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 (E36)3.2
3.0i
2.5
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
3.0 16V
3.4 i V8 32V
VS
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16VvsFerrariMondial t Cabriolet3.4 i V8 32V
3.0i
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
3.0 16V
300 CE-24 CAT
VS
Porsche968 Cabrio3.0 16VvsMercedes-BenzA124300 CE-24 CAT
3.0i
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0ivsBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i vs Porsche 968 Cabrio 3.0 16V - car comparison - FastVsFaster