1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 311 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 311 (50 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Because 1956 Austin A 40 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 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1966 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Austin A 40 | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
Make | Austin | Wartburg |
Model | A 40 | 311 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 992 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 50 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 98 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 970 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 43 L |