Porsche 917 vs Ford GT 40?

Answer 1

In terms of performance, any version of the 917s would have a strong edge. The first 917 appeared in competition just as the GT-40 was reaching the end of it's competition life. The GT-40 was an amazing car for it's time, but Porsche's ability to capitalize on the new rules sets created an absolute monster. While the 917 was technically a GT class car, it was in fact a pure race car, and no matter how good the GT-40 was, the fact is that it was simply outclassed by the newer machines (results clearly show this in the events where both competed). But ANY advantage would soon be gone as the 917 evolved.

And as the 917 would progress on to it's various versions (917K, 917LH, etc) and finally on to the Can Am versions (917/10 and 917/30), it would be dramatically faster than the GT-40. The biggest plus the GT-40 would score against the 917, is that at least in the earliest examples, the GT-40 was a much easier car to drive given the poor aero package and long wheel base of the original 917. The GT-40 would lack the top speed to compete against even the early 917 on most circuits, but could enjoy an advantage on smaller tighter courses (where Porsche generally would run the 908 instead of the 917).

In terms of value, alot would depend on the specific cars being compared. For example, a GT-40 that was a Le Mans winner for Gulf would be much more valuable than a 917K that was run as a customer car for a few Euro Interseries races... though the 917K chasis 23, which took the first overall Le Mans win for Porsche, would be more valuable than most any GT-40 (and something like the Penske 917/30, with it's near one off nature and records could demand even more if it were ever to come up for sale). Ultimately though, any examples of either would demand premium prices, and the GT-40 would probably be an easier car to own since it was more of a true GT car (where the 917s would be very high maintenance, designed in essence to run once, and then undergo a near complete rebuild for their next event).

Answer 2

The 917 would blow the GT40 off the road; especially the Can Am version with horsepower ranging from a low 850 all the way to 1500BHP. The 917/30 could go from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0-100 in 3.9 seconds and 0-200 in 10.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 245 mph+. Nothing even comes close; even by today's racing standards.

Answer 3

Not quite sure what you're asking but as far as value or performance goes the GT-40 would win hands down. It is one of the most sought after cars.