1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1972 AC 428
To start off, 1972 AC 428 is newer by 13 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 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AC 428 weights approximately 596 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, 1972 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1972 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 1972 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1972 AC 428 | |
| Make | Porsche | AC |
| Model | 356 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2450 mm |
