1955 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1955 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Porsche 356 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 356 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
