Porsche 356A

vs

Triumph TR2

Germany vs United Kingdom — 1957 vs 1953

Porsche 356A (1957)
Triumph TR2 (1953)
Specifications
356A SpeedsterTR2
Horsepower60 hp90 hp
Torque81 lb-ft
Engine Size1,582 cc
0-60 mph14.5 sec
Top Speed100 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec
Weight1,852 lbs
Wheelbase2,100 mm
Length3,950 mm
Units Produced1,171
Original MSRP$2,995
Value (Excellent)$700,000$42,000
Collectibility10/107/10
Rarity8/105/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster brings stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1953 Triumph TR2 answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Germany and United Kingdom automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster versus 1953 Triumph TR2 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1953 Triumph TR2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 90 hp compared to 60 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Flat-4 OHV 8V in the Porsche 356A versus a Inline-4 in the Triumph TR2. On the collector market, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster commands a significant premium over the 1953 Triumph TR2, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.