1956 Renault Dauphine vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 353 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 353 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1956 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353 should accelerate faster than 1956 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 328 kg more than 1956 Renault Dauphine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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 353 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Renault Dauphine. (46 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Renault Dauphine | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Renault | Wartburg |
| Model | Dauphine | 353 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 46 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
