2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 44 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 587 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z3 | 356 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 52 L |
