1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 312 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 900 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1956 Abarth 600.
Because 1956 Abarth 600 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 1956 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 312, 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, 1966 Wartburg 312 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | 600 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
