1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 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 2,680 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster 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. 1988 Porsche 944 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. 1988 Porsche 944 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 356 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2680 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2390 mm |
