2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 50 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 443 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1994 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 512 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | CL | 356 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2832 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 52 L |
