1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 647 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1500 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
