1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 is newer by 37 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 3,824 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Porsche 911 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Porsche 911 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2008 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 288 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2360 mm |
