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 (404 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3.
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 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 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. 2012 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. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 404 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2350 mm |
