1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Leon weights approximately 517 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, 2011 Seat Leon, 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, 2011 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2011 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Porsche | Seat |
| Model | 356 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
