1954 Fiat 1100 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 311 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,089 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Fiat 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 49 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1954 Fiat 1100.
Because 1954 Fiat 1100 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 1954 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311, 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, 1961 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Fiat 1100 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Fiat | Wartburg |
| Model | 1100 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
