1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1960 Wartburg 311 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 311 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
