1955 Wartburg 311 vs. 1958 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1958 Wartburg 312 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1958 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Wartburg 312 (49 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1955 Wartburg 311. (36 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Wartburg 312 should accelerate faster than 1955 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1955 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1958 Wartburg 312 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1958 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Wartburg 311 | 1958 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Wartburg |
| Model | 311 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
