1960 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1960 Porsche 356. (115 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 890 kg more than 1960 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. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1960 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1960 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Porsche 356 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 356 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
