1961 Wartburg 312 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 47 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 325 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Wartburg 312 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 312 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 898 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
