1956 Porsche 550 A vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1958 Porsche 356 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 550 A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 550 A would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 550 A (108 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 550 A should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Porsche 356 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1956 Porsche 550 A.
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 550 A | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 550 A | 356 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 605 kg | 795 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 |
