France vs West Germany — 1980 vs 1978
| Murena 2.2 | 911 SC Targa | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 129 lb-ft | 196 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,156 cc | 2,994 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 6.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 2,557 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 mm | 2,272 mm |
| Length | 4,320 mm | 4,291 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,680 | 58,914 |
| Original MSRP | — | $27,450 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1980 Matra Murena 2.2 brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1980 Matra Murena 2.2 versus 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa holds a clear advantage in raw power with 180 hp compared to 118 hp, a 62-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Matra Murena uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 2,156 cc, while the Porsche 911 SC relies on a Flat-6 SOHC with 2,994 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa edges ahead at 6.3 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 10,680 units built, the 1980 Matra Murena 2.2 is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911 SC's 58,914 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa commands a significant premium over the 1980 Matra Murena 2.2, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.