1955 Wartburg 312 vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 11 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), 1966 Wartburg 353 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 353 (49 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1955 Wartburg 312. (36 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353 should accelerate faster than 1955 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Let's talk about torque, 1966 Wartburg 353 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Wartburg 312 | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Wartburg |
| Model | 312 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1966 |
| 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 | 96 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 | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
