1981 Porsche 911 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 911. (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 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 1981 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 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 911. (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 911 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 911 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.4 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2270 mm |
