2001 BMW M vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2001 BMW M 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 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 537 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 M (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M | 356 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3300 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 52 L |
