1957 Porsche 356 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1957 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1957 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 507 kg more than 1957 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Porsche 356. (120 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Porsche 356 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 66 L |
