1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1958 Porsche 356 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
Model | 320 | 356 |
Year Released | 1942 | 1958 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3208 cc | 1582 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 78 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 119 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 795 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2110 mm |