The 1980s brought forth a slew of iconic models, that compete with the Porsche 928. One of my favourites is the BMW M635CSi. This article delves into the intricacies of these two legends, examining their performances, design philosophies, and driving experiences, all while addressing common queries such as "Which is faster?" and "Which offers better value today?". For those looking for a rugged yet refined 80's classic driving experience, choosing between the BMW M635CSi and Porsche 928 might be more difficult than it first appears, each with attributes that cater to different preferences.
TL:DR – The Porsche 928 and the BMW M635CSi are both remarkable vehicles, each excelling in unique areas. The Porsche offers a distinctly refined drive with its powerful and legendary V8, while the BMW's also legendary straight-six engine delivers an engaging experience. This comparison aims to illuminate their strengths and weaknesses and assist potential buyers in making an informed choice between these classics.
Historical context of the Porsche 928 and BMW M635CSi
The Porsche 928 was conceived in the 1970s as a 'Grand Touring' sports car designed to provide a comfortable ride along with performance. Debuting in 1977, it represented a departure from the traditional two-door coupe as it was intended to compete with luxury sedans while still offering spirited performance. One significant aspect was its front-engine layout—an atypical design choice for Porsche but one that aimed to broaden its appeal.
On the other side, the BMW M635CSi emerged from the Bavarian manufacturer's storied lineage of performance cars. Launched in the early 1980s, this model was the flagship of the BMW M division, boasting technology and performance refinements that made it a standout. The designation "M" itself is synonymous with performance in the BMW world, and the M635CSi was no exception, designed to deliver both exhilarating performance and daily drivability.
Engine specifications and performance
The Porsche 928 is notable for its robust 5.0-litre V8 engine, which could churn out around 300 bhp. With a sizeable torque of 420 Nm, it enabled the 928 to achieve impressive acceleration figures, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 6 seconds depending on the model year. The combination of a low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive, and a transaxle transmission provided a balanced weight distribution, contributing to its nimble handling characteristics.
Conversely, the BMW M635CSi is powered by a 3.5-litre inline-six engine, capable of producing roughly 286 bhp. This engine, attributed to the brand's M division, is known for its smooth power delivery and engaging throttle response. While the acceleration figures hover around 0-60 mph in the 6 seconds bracket as well, enthusiasts will argue that the driving experience—characterised by responsive steering and platform feedback—places the M635CSi in a league of its own when it comes to performance.
Acceleration and handling
When discussing acceleration, both cars occupy a similar performance envelope, though the BMW M635CSi exhibits a slight edge in terms of sheer driver engagement. The M635CSi’s rear-wheel drive architecture and precise steering responsiveness make it a favourite among purists who seek a visceral driving experience. Delving deeper, a comparison had shown various models in this arena, including the Nissan 300 ZX Turbo and the Porsche 944 Turbo, serving to accentuate the competitive nature of this market segment.
However, the handling dynamics of the Porsche 928 should not be underestimated. Its grand tourer status ensures that it not only excels in cornering but also maintains composure on long-distance drives. With attributes such as adaptive suspension and the aforementioned weight distribution, it is capable of providing confidence inspiring drives, making it an equally thrilling experience in varying driving conditions.
Contemporary review
Jeremy Walton in Performance Car in 1987 wrote:
M635 CSi
It could be argued that inexperienced buyers should receive training before taking delivery of the M635 CSI. Acutely sensitive on turn-in and extremely prone to power oversteer, the M635 is nevertheless, deeply satisfying to drive hard when tamed.
928 S4
320bhp means that, even with the Porsche's ultra sophisticated rear suspension design, restraint is necessary on wet city streets. But so good is it, that in the dry many would find it hard to get the 928S4 out of line, even if they tried.
Design and interior comfort
In terms of design, the Porsche 928 is a quintessential example of the era’s aesthetic, with flowing lines and a distinctive front-end that has aged gracefully over the decades. The interior, while slightly utilitarian, is focused on driver comfort with a cockpit that feels snug and purposeful. Leather upholstery, sports seats, and advanced audio systems (for the time) made it a pleasant environment for both spirited drives and relaxation.
Contrasting this, the BMW M635CSi presents a more tech-savvy approach with a dashboard cluttered with buttons and switches indicative of the 1980s' technology boom. The interior design follows the philosophy of ergonomics, prioritising driver control with well-placed instrumentation. Comfort is not compromised either, with ample seating space making it suitable for longer journeys. Arguably, the BMW offers a broader spectrum of features, appealing at the time to drivers who enjoyed technology integrated into their classic motoring experience.
Cultural significance and value retention
Both the Porsche 928 and BMW M635CSi hold substantial significance within the automotive community as representative icons of 1980s engineering. The 928 has solidified its status as a modern classic, often regarded as one of Porsche's most unique models due to its design and performance balance. Despite not being as popular as the 911, the 928 has developed a loyal following, and its value has steadily increased over the years as collectors recognise its significance and engineering quality.
On the other hand, the BMW M635CSi continues to captivate enthusiasts, particularly because it serves as a direct link to the M performance division's heritage. This model commands respect as a high-performance coupe that holds up well against modern vehicles. With its values climbing due to increasing demand among aficionados, the M635CSi is also seen as an excellent investment for those looking to enter the classic car market.
Comparative market landscape
Reviewing the current market, both the Porsche 928 and BMW M635CSi are showing strong values as they have transitioned into collectible status. Market trends indicate that the prices for well-maintained examples of either vehicle have increased due to a limited availability of pristine models. Enthusiasts often cite comparisons with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz 560SEC, which, while luxurious, does not have the sporting credentials that fans seek in a true performance coupe.
In an age where practicality often reigns supreme, the allure of these classic vehicles lies in their ability to deliver performance while fostering a sense of nostalgia. This has resulted in enthusiasts exploring options across various platforms, revitalising the interest in and demand for such mechanically rich automobiles.
Modern performance equivalents
As a homage to classic automotive landscape, modern equivalents of both the Porsche 928 and BMW M635CSi can be observed in today's offerings. High-performance vehicles now emphasise technology and efficiency alongside power. The likes of the Porsche 911 continue to embody the spirit of the brand, while BMW's M division expanded its portfolio with vehicles like the M6, which attempted to merge contemporary performance with the nostalgia of its predecessors.
However, enthusiasts are often sceptical about whether newer models can capture the essence of driving that older models like the M635CSi and 928 portray. Critics argue that despite technological advancements, the raw feedback and engagement offered by earlier models are increasingly rare, leading to a renewed appreciation for analog performance cars in today’s digital-centric world.
Conclusion: which to choose?
Ultimately, the decision between the Porsche 928 and BMW M635CSi boils down to personal preference. Those who appreciate a powerful grand tourer with a rich history and a unique shape favour the Porsche, while those seeking sporty characteristics and BMW’s renowned engineering prowess veer towards the M635CSi. Each car encapsulates an era of automotive innovation and remains a cherished choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike. As the market continues to acknowledge and value classic cars, securing either model would undoubtedly contribute to an enriching ownership experience.
Contemporary review was unequivocal
Jeremy Walton again, from Performance Car in 1987
Porsche stands alone in being a fully committed GT car, a thoroughly modern, totally integrated design with no compromise, nothing hand-me-down, nothing superfluous. It is superlatively equipped, full of character, blisteringly fast and in spite of the paper similarities is in a different world from either of its competitors here. Driven hard, it all but matches the M635 for sheer entertainment and the Mercedes for refinement. Put the two together and the choice is inevitable.
For those considering adding such a classic to their collection, exploring available listings on platforms like Autotrader will show plenty of fine and not so fine vehicles. Caveat Emptor!
You can find the contemprary review in Porsche 928 takes on the competition.
Image Credit: BMW M635CSi flickr photo by swooshiain shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-SA) license
