1957 BMW 600 vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1962 Wartburg 311 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1962 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Wartburg 311 (49 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 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 1957 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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, 1962 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 600 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2460 mm |
