1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 52 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 897 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
