Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

vs

Porsche 911 Carrera

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 1984

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973)
Porsche 911 Carrera (1984)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 2.7911 Carrera 3.2
Horsepower210 hp231 hp
Torque188 lb-ft209 lb-ft
Engine Size2,687 cc3,164 cc
0-60 mph5.8 sec5.3 sec
Top Speed152 mph155 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec13.6 sec
Weight2,668 lbs
Wheelbase2,271 mm2,272 mm
Length4,163 mm4,291 mm
Units Produced1,58076,473
Original MSRP$31,950
Value (Excellent)$1,600,000$135,000
Collectibility5/108/10
Rarity9/104/10
The Verdict

The 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 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 Carrera RS 2.7 lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 with the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 reveals how Porsche refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 231 hp compared to 210 hp, a 21-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 uses a Flat-6 Air-Cooled displacing 2,687 cc, while the Porsche 911 Carrera relies on a Flat-6 SOHC 12V with 3,164 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 5.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,580 units built, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911 Carrera's 76,473 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 commands a significant premium over the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.