1971 Porsche 914 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1971 Porsche 914. (79 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1971 Porsche 914. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Porsche 914. (136 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Porsche 914.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Porsche 914 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 914 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1679 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
