1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 47 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 516 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
