1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1956 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1608 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2110 mm |
