1955 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 1967 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1967 Wartburg 353 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Hudson Metropolitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Wartburg 353 (49 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Wartburg 353 should accelerate faster than 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Hudson Metropolitan 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 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Wartburg 353, 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, 1967 Wartburg 353 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Hudson Metropolitan. (76 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1967 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Hudson Metropolitan | 1967 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Hudson | Wartburg |
| Model | Metropolitan | 353 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2460 mm |
