1981 Porsche 944 vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (325 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 911 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 944 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
