1956 Porsche 356 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1959 Porsche 356 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Porsche 356 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1956 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 356 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 52 L |
