1984 BMW 316 vs. 1957 Porsche 550 A
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 550 A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 550 A would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Porsche 550 A (108 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Porsche 550 A should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1957 Porsche 550 A.
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. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1957 Porsche 550 A has manual transmission. 1957 Porsche 550 A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1957 Porsche 550 A | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 316 | 550 A |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2110 mm |
