1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 37 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 197 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356.
Because 1959 Porsche 356 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
