1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 39 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 320 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1959 Porsche 356 (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 356 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
