1961 Mazda R 360 vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 311 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 311 (50 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1961 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1961 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Mazda R 360 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 1961 Mazda R 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1966 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mazda R 360 | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mazda | Wartburg |
| Model | R 360 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 380 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
