1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 482 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.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Porsche 356. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
