1947 Austin 16 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 312 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1947 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1947 Austin 16 (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1947 Austin 16 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1947 Austin 16 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1947 Austin 16 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1947 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1947 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1947 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1947 Austin 16 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | 16 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1947 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
