2001 Porsche 996 vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 TVR 390. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 TVR 390 would be higher. At 3,905 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 TVR 390 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1985 TVR 390. (275 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1985 TVR 390. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 318 kg more than 1985 TVR 390. 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 TVR 390. (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 TVR 390.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Porsche 996 | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | Porsche | TVR |
| Model | 996 | 390 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2390 mm |
