Germany vs Germany — 1948 vs 1971
| 356 Speedster | 917 K | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 70 hp | 580 hp |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,582 cc | 4,907 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.5 sec | 2.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 224 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Weight | 1,852 lbs | 1,764 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,300 mm |
| Length | 3,950 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,145 | 12 |
| Original MSRP | $2,995 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $700,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
The 1971 Porsche 917 K emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster and 1971 Porsche 917 K share a manufacturer in Porsche, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Porsche brand. The 1971 Porsche 917 K holds a clear advantage in raw power with 580 hp compared to 70 hp, a 510-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 356 uses a Flat-4 OHV air-cooled displacing 1,582 cc, while the Porsche 917 relies on a Flat-12 DOHC with 4,907 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Porsche 917 K edges ahead at 2.3 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 12 units built, the 1971 Porsche 917 K is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 356's 4,145 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Porsche 917 K commands a significant premium over the 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.