1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1963 Wartburg 311 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1963 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Let's talk about torque, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Beetle | 311 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
