1973 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche 911 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Porsche 911 (650 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
