1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1955 Porsche 356
To start off, 1984 Austin Ambassador is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 355 kg more than 1955 Porsche 356.
Because 1955 Porsche 356 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1984 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1955 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin | Porsche |
| Model | Ambassador | 356 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2110 mm |
