1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1958 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1958 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1958 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 356 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
