2004 Porsche 911 vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (320 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 911. (232 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 911 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1981 Porsche 911. 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 911. (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Porsche 911 | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 911 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 285 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
