1981 Porsche 944 vs. 1974 Porsche 911
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Porsche 911 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Porsche 911 (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 1974 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 944 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
