1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600
To start off, 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,584 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 (143 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 weights approximately 382 kg more than 1959 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, 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 356 | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 100 L |
