1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 46 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 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Rover 45 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Porsche 356 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Rover 45 (160 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Porsche | Rover |
| Model | 356 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
