1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 369 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 Volkswagen T5, 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
