1974 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 38 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 53 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2451 mm |
