1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 41 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 15 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.
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, 2012 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
