1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1960 Wartburg 311 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 190 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 40 L |
