1955 Wartburg 312 vs. 1965 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1965 Wartburg 311 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 991 cc (3 cylinders), 1965 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Wartburg 311 (49 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1955 Wartburg 312. (36 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1955 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1955 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1965 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1965 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Wartburg 312 | 1965 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Wartburg |
| Model | 312 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 991 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 | 81 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| 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 |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
