Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

vs

Porsche 911 Carrera 4

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 1990

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973)
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (1990)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 2.7911 Carrera 4 964
Horsepower210 hp250 hp
Torque188 lb-ft228 lb-ft
Engine Size2,687 cc3,600 cc
0-60 mph5.8 sec5.5 sec
Top Speed152 mph162 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec13.7 sec
Weight3,197 lbs
Wheelbase2,271 mm2,272 mm
Length4,163 mm4,250 mm
Units Produced1,58013,353
Original MSRP$69,500
Value (Excellent)$1,600,000$150,000
Collectibility5/107/10
Rarity9/105/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 offers greater rarity, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Few model names carry as much weight as the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. The 1973 and 1990 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 210 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 uses a Flat-6 Air-Cooled displacing 2,687 cc, while the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 relies on a Flat-6 SOHC 12V with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,580 units built, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911 Carrera 4's 13,353 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 commands a significant premium over the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.