1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1956 Porsche 356 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Fiat 500 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Fiat | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2110 mm |
