1989 Ford Probe vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1989 Ford Probe is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1989 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Probe weights approximately 71 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
Because 1978 Porsche 911 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 570 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Probe. (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Probe | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Probe | 911 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
