1986 BMW 316 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 27 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 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 316 (86 HP) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 316 weights approximately 232 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, 1986 BMW 316 (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 316 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
