1957 MG MGA vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 312 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1957 MG MGA.
Because 1957 MG MGA 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 MG MGA. 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, 1957 MG MGA (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1957 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 MG MGA | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | MG | Wartburg |
| Model | MGA | 312 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2460 mm |
