1956 Porsche 356 vs. 1996 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 Porsche 911 is newer by 40 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 911 (430 HP) has 371 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356.
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, 1996 Porsche 911 (540 Nm) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 430 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 296 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2280 mm |
