Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2007 Porsche 911 VS 2007 BMW 6 Near Phoenix, AZ

The 911 offers all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 6 Series doesn’t offer all wheel drive.

Both the 911 and the 6 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The 911 Turbo’s 3.6 turbo 6 cyl. produces 77 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 383) than the M6’s optional 5.0 DOHC V10.

As tested in Road & Track the 911 S is faster than the M6 (manual transmissions tested):

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the 911’s engines produce their peak torque at lower RPM’s than the 6 Series:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 911 lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 6 Series doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

For better stopping power the 911 Turbo’s optional brake rotors are larger than those on the 6 Series:

The 911 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 6 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 911 stops much shorter than the 6 Series:

For better traction and acceleration, the 911 has larger standard rear tires than the 6 Series (265/40R18 vs. 245/45R18). The 911 Carrera 4 Turbo’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the 6 Series (305/30R19 vs. 285/35R19).

The 911’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the 6 Series’ standard 45 series tires. The 911 S’ 235/35R19 front and 295/30R19 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the 6 Series’ optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

The 911 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 6 Series’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 911 S Coupe Carrera 4 handles at .99 G’s, while the M6 Coupe pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 911 Cabriolet handles at .92 G’s, while the 6 Series Convertible pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 911 S Coupe goes through Road & Track’s slalom 5.9 MPH faster than the 650i Coupe (71.7 vs. 65.8 MPH).

For better maneuverability the 911’s turning circle is 5 feet tighter than the 6 Series M6’s (36 vs. 41 feet). The 911’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the 6 Series’ (36 vs. 37.4 feet).

The Porsche 911 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 850 pounds less than the BMW 6 Series.

The 911 is 1 foot, 2.6 inches shorter than the 6 Series, making the 911 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Porsche 911 amounts to more than styling. The 911 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .28 to .31 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the 6 Series (.3 to .34). A more efficient exterior helps the 911 go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the 911 get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the 911 S Coupe is quieter than the M6 Coupe (53 vs. 55 dB).

The 911’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The 6 Series doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The 911’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 6 Series has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the 911 offers an optional rear wiper. The 6 Series doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports rated the 911’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the 6 Series’ headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The 911 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable. The 6 Series doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Insurance will cost less for the 911 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 911 will cost $172 to $521 less than the 6 Series over a five year period.

The 911 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the 911 will retain 51% of its original price after four years, while the 6 Series only retains 44% to 46%.