Germany vs West Germany — 1973 vs 1989
| 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) | 911 (964) Carrera 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 228 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,994 cc | 3,600 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 13.9 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,272 mm | 2,272 mm |
| Length | 4,291 mm | 4,250 mm |
| Units Produced | 109 | 62,172 |
| Original MSRP | — | $69,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 5/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) offers quicker acceleration, greater rarity, while the 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 counters with higher top speed, stronger collectibility, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The Porsche 911 lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) with the 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 reveals how Porsche refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 230 hp, a 20-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 (964) relies on a Flat-6 SOHC with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.7 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 (964)'s 62,172 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) commands a significant premium over the 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.