1971 Austin 3 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 638 kg more than 1956 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. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
