1949 Fiat 500 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1959 Porsche 356 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Porsche 356 weights approximately 303 kg more than 1949 Fiat 500. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Fiat 500 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Fiat | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
