1952 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 60 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (304 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 1170 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, 2012 BMW 740 (600 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 494 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1952 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1952 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Porsche 356 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 356 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1131 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 82 L |
