Germany vs Germany — 1948 vs 1984
| 356 Speedster | 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 70 hp | 730 hp |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,582 cc | 2,994 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.5 sec | 2.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 251 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 9.9 sec |
| Weight | 1,852 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,770 mm |
| Length | 3,950 mm | 4,820 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,145 | 13 |
| Original MSRP | $2,995 | $1,000,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $700,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Porsche has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster with the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans holds a clear advantage in raw power with 730 hp compared to 70 hp, a 660-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 962 relies on a Twin-Turbo Flat-6 SOHC with 2,994 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans edges ahead at 2.6 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. The Porsche 356 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 463 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13 units built, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 356's 4,145 examples. On the collector market, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.