Thinking about buying an Porsche 911? Compare it to a BMW 650i first!
The BMW 650i Overview
The 6 Series competes in the GKL+ segment – one of the industry’s most fiercely competitive given the role these vehicles play in providing a “halo effect” for their respective brands. Cars in this segment appeal to affluent and discriminating buyers seeking a vehicle, and an ownership experience, that live up to the highest standards. They seek the ultimate in exclusivity, driving dynamics and prestige.
Since its original launch in 1976, the 6 Series has consistently satisfied the desires of the world’s most demanding and discerning drivers. It’s unique blend of powerful and elegant style, exclusive driver-oriented interior, and refined, athletic driving dynamics have earned the 6 Series legend-status, an honor the all-new 2012 6 Series is certain to carry forward.
The Porsche 911 Overview
The current generation Porsche 911 (internally dubbed the 997 Series) debuted in 2005, and received a facelift in 2009. As of Spring 2011, the Porsche website listed no fewer than 20 major 911 variants available for sale in the U.S. market. Choices range from coupe, cabriolet and targa-top designs, to a host of naturally aspirated and turbo-charged powertrains. And once you’ve settled on a chassis and engine, the list of available options for each model arguably borders on the ridiculous. Suffice it to say, a high degree of vehicle customization is a big component of the brand’s allure.
With respect to price, performance and packaging, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet is the natural 650i Convertible competitor. This 911 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter Flat-6 engine that produces only 345 horsepower and 288 lb-ft. of torque – numbers that pale in comparison to the 650i Convertible. That said, the 911’s chassis is roughly a foot-and-a-half shorter than the 650i, weighs-in at roughly 1300-lbs. lighter than the BMW. The result is a 0 – 60 mph sprint of 4.9 seconds, good enough to match the 650i Convertible.
BMW vs. Porsche
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What BMW offers…
- The 650i includes BMW Ultimate Service, which covers all factory-recommended maintenance for 4-years / 50,000 miles.
- Horsepower = 400. Torque = 450 @ 1750
- No-charge optional 8-speed Sport Automatic
- 13.7” ventilated front / 13.6” ventilated rear disc brakes
- Standard Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, and Automatic Hold
- Standard Dynamic Damping Control
- Standard run-flat tires
- 50.4 / 49.6 weight bias
- More than 2-inches of additional front head room
- More than 5-inches of additional front shoulder room
- One of the most spacious rear seating areas in the segment, with room for 2 adults if needed
- A full-sized trunk with ample space for up at least two golf bags. Trunk space: 12.3 cu-ft (top up) and 10.6 cu-ft (top down)
- Standard front and rear Park Distance Control
- Standard Rear-View Camera, Cornering Lights and Adaptive Brake Lights
- Standard Adaptive headlights
- BMW Assist is standard for 4-years, and includes TeleService
- Standard Comfort Access
- iDrive with10.2-inch display and a centralized hand controller
- Programmable Memory Keys and an Integrated Owner’s Manual
- Standard Navigation includes Voice Command and Real Time Traffic Information
- 20-way power front seats
- Standard HD Radio, 12GB Music Collection and Bluetooth music streaming
- Standard Mobile Office
What Porsche doesn’t…
- Edmunds.com (March 5, 2011) lists the 3-year maintenance cost at $1,211 (or $33.64 per month x 36 months)
- Horsepower = 345. Torque = 288 @ 4400 rpm
- $4,080 optional 7-speed PDK (i.e. dual-clutch) transmission
- 13.0” ventilated front and rear disc brakes
- Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, and Automatic Hold are not available
- Dynamic Damping Control is not available
- Run-flat tires are not available
- 38 / 62 weight bias(+ 783 lbs. on the rear half of car)
- Limited front head room creates a claustrophobic cabin feel
- Larger passengers may literally rub shoulders in the cabin
- Rear seats so small that Porsche doesn’t list specs for head room, leg room or shoulder room
- Trunk space: 4.4 cu-ft (front trunk) and 5.5 cu-ft (rear parcel shelf with rear seats folded down)
- Optional ParkAssist, but rear sensors only
- Rearview camera, Cornering Lights and Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
- Adaptive headlights are optional
- A BMW Assist-type feature is not available, nor is TeleService
- Comfort Access is not available
- Centralized menu display with a 6.5-inch touchscreen monitor
- PMK’s and an Integrated Owner’s Manual are not available
- Navigation is standard, but Voice Control is optional and Real Time Traffic requires an XM Radio subscription
- Power front seats with lumbar are optional (8-way or 12-way)
- HD Radio, a music jukebox and Bluetooth music streaming are not available
- Mobile Office is not available
The 2012 BMW 6 Series is a textbook example of a fine grand touring car. Edmunds.com
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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
