Germany vs Italy — 1971 vs 1967
| 917 K | P538 Spyder | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 580 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,907 cc | 5,359 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 2.3 sec | 4.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 224 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 9.8 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,764 lbs | 1,653 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,300 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,140 mm | 4,100 mm |
| Units Produced | 12 | 7 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Porsche 917 K brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1967 Bizzarrini P538 Spyder answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1971 Porsche 917 K versus 1967 Bizzarrini P538 Spyder is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 Porsche 917 K holds a clear advantage in raw power with 580 hp compared to 365 hp, a 215-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 917 uses a Flat-12 DOHC displacing 4,907 cc, while the Bizzarrini P538 relies on a V8 OHV with 5,359 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Porsche 917 K edges ahead at 2.3 seconds versus 4.8 seconds. On the collector market, the 1971 Porsche 917 K commands a significant premium over the 1967 Bizzarrini P538 Spyder, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.