1981 BMW 725 vs. 1972 Porsche 914
To start off, 1981 BMW 725 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 914. (108 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 914.
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, 1981 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 914. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 914.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 1972 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 725 | 914 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2460 mm |
