1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1988 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Porsche 911 is newer by 29 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 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 911 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 911 weights approximately 392 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, 1988 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1988 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
