1956 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 56 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 987 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 356 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 356 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 858 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
