1960 Wartburg 311 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1960 Wartburg 311. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 617 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Wartburg 311 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Wartburg | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 311 | CL |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
