1996 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 18 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 5 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, 1996 Audi A4, 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 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A4 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
