Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

vs

Porsche 911

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 2012

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973)
Porsche 911 (2012)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 2.7911 GT3 RS (991)
Horsepower210 hp520 hp
Torque188 lb-ft347 lb-ft
Engine Size2,687 cc3,996 cc
0-60 mph5.8 sec3.0 sec
Top Speed152 mph194 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec11.0 sec
Wheelbase2,271 mm2,457 mm
Length4,163 mm4,545 mm
Units Produced1,580
Value (Excellent)$1,600,000$400,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity9/106/10
The Verdict

The 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

Tracing the evolution of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1973 to 2012 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Porsche. The 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 520 hp compared to 210 hp, a 310-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 relies on a Flat-6 DOHC 24V with 3,996 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) edges ahead at 3.0 seconds versus 5.8 seconds. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 commands a significant premium over the 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.