1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2012 Opel Insignia 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Insignia (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster 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 Opel Insignia, 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 Opel Insignia (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Insignia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2012 Opel Insignia 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. 2012 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2012 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Porsche | Opel |
| Model | 356 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2737 mm |
