1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 54 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 331 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 2012 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Porsche | Kia |
| Model | 356 | Soul |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 48 L |
