1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 9 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 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 137 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356.
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, 1959 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
