1955 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 57 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 892 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Porsche 356 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Porsche | Lexus |
| Model | 356 | IS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 65 L |
