1952 Porsche 356 vs. 1955 Porsche 356
To start off, 1955 Porsche 356 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Porsche 356 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1952 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, 1955 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Porsche 356 | 1955 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1131 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 52 L |
