1996 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 37 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, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 292 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356.
Because 1959 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 1959 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1959 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Escort | 356 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
