1961 BMW 700 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1961 BMW 700 is newer by 2 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 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Porsche 356 weights approximately 178 kg more than 1961 BMW 700. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1959 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 700 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
