1960 Abarth 1000 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1961 Wartburg 311 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 1000 would be higher. Both 1960 Abarth 1000 and 1961 Wartburg 311 are equipped with a 992 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth 1000 (87 HP) has 38 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1960 Abarth 1000.
Because 1960 Abarth 1000 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 1960 Abarth 1000. 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, 1961 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 1000 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | 1000 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 43 L |
