1958 Porsche 356 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1959 Rover P4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,625 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (92 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1958 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, 1959 Rover P4 (168 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Porsche | Rover |
| Model | 356 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2625 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 52 L |
