1961 Steyr 500 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311

To start off, both 1961 Steyr 500 and 1961 Wartburg 311 were released in the same year (1961). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1961 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Wartburg 311 (49 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1961 Steyr 500. (19 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1961 Steyr 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1961 Steyr 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1961 Steyr 500 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 Steyr 500. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Steyr 500. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Steyr 500.

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