1954 Porsche 356 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1954 Porsche 356. (110 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1954 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 486 kg more than 1954 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Porsche 356. (133 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Porsche 356 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 66 L |
