1998 Ford Probe vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 450 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, 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, 1998 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Probe | 356 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
