1974 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1978 Porsche 911 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 254 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
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, 1978 Porsche 911 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2270 mm |
