1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 311 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 (104 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 368 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 220 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 43 L |
