Germany vs West Germany — 1973 vs 1989
| 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) | 911 (964) Carrera 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 228 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,687 cc | 3,600 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 152 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 13.9 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,271 mm | 2,272 mm |
| Length | 4,163 mm | 4,250 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,580 | 62,172 |
| Original MSRP | — | $69,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,600,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 5/10 |
The 1989 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) counters with quicker acceleration, 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.
The Porsche 911 lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) 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 210 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 uses a Flat-6 Air-Cooled displacing 2,687 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 2.7 (F-series) edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,580 units built, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911 (964)'s 62,172 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) 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.