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Features Comparison: BMW 3-Series vs. Porsche Cayman
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012--2011-2008-2010 | 2012--2011-2008-2010 | 2012--2011-2008-2010 | 2012--2011-2008-2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | 3-Series | Cayman | Cayman | Cayman | Cayman |
| Trim | 328i | 335i | Base | S | S Black Edition | R |
| Engines | ||||||
| Transmissions | ||||||
| Drivetrains | ||||||
| Tires | ||||||
| Audio Systems | ||||||
| Accessories | ||||||
| Release latch by waving a foot beneath the bumper or a hand near a sensor. | ||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||||||
| Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | ||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | ||||||
| Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade. | ||||||
| Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. | ||||||
| Homelink. | ||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | ||||||
| If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||||||
| Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | ||||||
| Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | ||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||||||
| Ceramic composite brake rotors. | ||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | ||||||
| Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | ||||||
| Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | ||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | ||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||||||
| Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | ||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||||||
| Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. | ||||||
| Cargo Management | ||||||
| Climate Control | ||||||
| Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | ||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||
| Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||
| Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||||||
| Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents. | ||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||||||
| Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | ||||||
| Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | ||||||
| Makes rain bead up and roll off the windows. | ||||||
| Drivetrain | ||||||
| When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | ||||||
| Engine / Motor | ||||||
| Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system. | ||||||
| Valves open in the exhaust at high rpm and/or during brisk acceleration, for power boost and/or richer sound. Valves can also be opened with a switch. | ||||||
| The engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in. | ||||||
| Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | ||||||
| Changes sound of exhaust and/or appearance of the tips. In some cases might slightly improve performance. | ||||||
| Exterior | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||||||
| Spoiler extends automatically at high speeds. Otherwise flush with body. Can be manually extended and retracted. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Large spoiler stands well above the trunk or hatch. | ||||||
| Infotainment | ||||||
| Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | ||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||||||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | ||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||||||
| Includes CD player. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs. | ||||||
| High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | ||||||
| Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | ||||||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | ||||||
| Enables navigation even without roads. Requires and does not include the value of a navigation system. | ||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||||||
| XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | ||||||
| Converts text messages to speech. | ||||||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | ||||||
| Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||||||
| Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | ||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||||||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||||||
| Stopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock. | ||||||
| We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | ||||||
| Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | ||||||
| Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | ||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||||||
| Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | ||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||||||
| Front row reading lights. | ||||||
| One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | ||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||||||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | ||||||
| Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability. | ||||||
| Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | ||||||
| Reports engine speed. | ||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | ||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||||||
| Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | ||||||
| Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||||||
| Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||||||
| Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||||||
| Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||||||
| Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | ||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | ||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns. | ||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns. | ||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | ||||||
| Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | ||||||
| Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | ||||||
| Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | ||||||
| Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | ||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||||||
| Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | ||||||
| Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Steering ratio gets quicker the farther the wheel is turned. | ||||||
| Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | ||||||
| Transmission | ||||||
| Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | ||||||
Option Package Contents
Sport Line
Luxury Design
Premium Tier
BMW Assist
Luxury Design
Summer tires
Executive Tier
Convenience Tier
Power front seats
Sport Line
Premium Tier
BMW Assist
Luxury Design
Summer tires
Luxury Design
Executive Tier
Convenience Tier
Auto-dimming mirrors
Sport Chrono Package
Convenience Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
Auto-dimming mirrors
Infotainment Package
Sport Chrono Package
Convenience Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
Sport Chrono Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
Auto-dimming mirrors
Sport Chrono Package
Sport seats plus
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