1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2006 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Toyota MR2 is newer by 48 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 1,792 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 270 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.
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, 2006 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2006 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Porsche | Toyota |
| Model | 356 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 48 L |
