Porsche 911

vs

Porsche 911 Carrera 4

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 1990

Porsche 911 (1973)
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (1990)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series)911 Carrera 4 964
Horsepower210 hp250 hp
Torque188 lb-ft228 lb-ft
Engine Size2,687 cc3,600 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec5.5 sec
Top Speed152 mph162 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec13.7 sec
Weight3,197 lbs
Wheelbase2,271 mm2,272 mm
Length4,163 mm4,250 mm
Units Produced1,58013,353
Original MSRP$69,500
Value (Excellent)$1,600,000$150,000
Collectibility5/107/10
Rarity8/105/10
The Verdict

The 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) 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

Tracing the evolution of the Porsche 911 from 1973 to 1990 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Porsche. The 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 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 Carrera 4 relies on a Flat-6 SOHC 12V with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.5 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 Carrera 4's 13,353 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (F-series) commands a significant premium over the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 964 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.