France vs West Germany — 1964 vs 1965
| Djet V | 912 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 70 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 63 lb-ft | 89 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,108 cc | 1,582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 109 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,367 lbs | 2,128 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm | 2,268 mm |
| Length | 3,960 mm | 4,163 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,491 | 30,300 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,790 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1964 Matra Djet V brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe 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 1964 Matra Djet V versus 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 90 hp compared to 70 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Matra Djet uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,108 cc, while the Porsche 912 relies on a Flat-4 OHV with 1,582 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe edges ahead at 11.6 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. The Matra Djet carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 761 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,491 units built, the 1964 Matra Djet V is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 912's 30,300 examples.