1990 BMW 316 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 34 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 228 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 316 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
