1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 312 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 898 cc (3 cylinders), 1961 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Alpine A 106 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Alpine A 106 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1958 Alpine A 106.
Because 1958 Alpine A 106 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 1958 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1961 Wartburg 312 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Alpine A 106 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | Alpine | Wartburg |
Model | A 106 | 312 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 845 cc | 898 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 57 Nm | 82 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 40 L |