1997 BMW 850 vs. 1972 Porsche 914
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 914. (108 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1972 Porsche 914. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 914. (160 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 914. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1972 Porsche 914 has manual transmission. 1972 Porsche 914 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1972 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 850 | 914 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2460 mm |
