1961 Wartburg 312 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 365 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Wartburg 312 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Wartburg | Volkswagen |
| Model | 312 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 898 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
