Porsche 911

vs

Porsche 911

Germany vs Germany — 1973 vs 1996

Porsche 911 (1973)
Porsche 911 (1996)
Specifications
911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body)911 996 GT3
Horsepower230 hp381 hp
Torque203 lb-ft284 lb-ft
Engine Size2,994 cc3,600 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec4.3 sec
Top Speed155 mph190 mph
¼ Mile13.8 sec12.5 sec
Wheelbase2,272 mm2,350 mm
Length4,291 mm4,435 mm
Units Produced1092,313
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$175,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity10/106/10
The Verdict

The 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) 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 1996 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Porsche. The 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 381 hp compared to 230 hp, a 151-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 relies on a Flat-6 DOHC 24V with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3 edges ahead at 4.3 seconds versus 5.5 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's 2,313 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (G-body) commands a significant premium over the 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.