2002 Porsche Boxster vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2002 Porsche Boxster is newer by 43 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 2,685 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche Boxster (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 422 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, 2002 Porsche Boxster (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2002 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Porsche Boxster | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | Boxster | 356 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2685 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2110 mm |
