1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1983 Ferrari 308 is newer by 24 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 2,925 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 308 (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 668 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, 1983 Ferrari 308 (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1983 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Porsche |
| Model | 308 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
