Porsche 911

vs

Porsche 911

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 1996

Porsche 911 (1973)
Porsche 911 (1996)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body)911 GT2 (996)
Horsepower230 hp462 hp
Torque203 lb-ft457 lb-ft
Engine Size2,994 cc3,600 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec3.9 sec
Top Speed155 mph196 mph
¼ Mile13.8 sec11.7 sec
Wheelbase2,272 mm2,350 mm
Length4,291 mm4,435 mm
Units Produced1091,287
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$350,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity10/107/10
The Verdict

The 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) counters with greater rarity, 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

The Porsche 911 lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) with the 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) reveals how Porsche refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 462 hp compared to 230 hp, a 232-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 uses a Flat-6 SOHC 12V displacing 2,994 cc, while the Porsche 911 relies on a Flat-6 DOHC 24V Twin-Turbo with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) edges ahead at 3.9 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 109 units built, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911's 1,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) commands a significant premium over the 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (996), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.