1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 437 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 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
