1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 51 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 405 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1958 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1958 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 356 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
