1971 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 911 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1988 Porsche 911.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
