Germany vs Germany — 1958 vs 1957
| 1000 Sp Roadster | 356A Speedster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 55 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 61 lb-ft | 81 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 981 cc | 1,582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 18.0 sec | 14.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.0 sec | 19.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,918 lbs | 1,852 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Length | 4,285 mm | 3,950 mm |
| Units Produced | 5,500 | 1,171 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $700,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
The 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster 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 1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster and 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster stand as two of the most notable Sports Car cars from Post-war. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster producing 55 hp and the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster delivering 60 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Auto Union 1000 uses a Inline-3 Two-Stroke displacing 981 cc, while the Porsche 356A relies on a Flat-4 OHV 8V with 1,582 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster edges ahead at 14.5 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,171 units built, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster is considerably scarcer than the Auto Union 1000's 5,500 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster commands a significant premium over the 1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.