1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Porsche 911
To start off, 1997 Porsche 911 is newer by 26 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (424 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 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 85 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Porsche 911 (530 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 424 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 335 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 79 L |
