1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 722 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 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 356 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2110 mm |
