1956 Porsche 356 vs. 1989 Porsche 911
To start off, 1989 Porsche 911 is newer by 33 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 911 (247 HP) has 188 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Porsche 911 weights approximately 483 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. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Porsche 911 (317 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 356 | 1989 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 247 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 77 L |
