1959 Morris Minor vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 312 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morris Minor would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Morris Minor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Wartburg 312 (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312 should accelerate faster than 1959 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1959 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morris Minor 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 1959 Morris Minor. 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 (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Morris Minor | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | Morris | Wartburg |
Model | Minor | 312 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 35 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 66 Nm | 81 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 70.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |