1978 Porsche 911 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1978 Porsche 911 is newer by 19 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Porsche 911 weights approximately 342 kg more than 1959 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Porsche 911 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 911 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 52 L |
