1972 Porsche 911 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 373 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (206 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Porsche 911 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 911 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2339 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.4 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2270 mm |
