2001 BMW 318 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 42 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 462 kg more than 1959 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, 2001 BMW 318 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 356 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 52 L |
