1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 53 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 391 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356.
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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Porsche | Honda |
| Model | 356 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
