1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 51 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 356 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 53 L |
