1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 220 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 43 L |
