1961 Wartburg 312 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 49 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 354 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Wartburg | Volkswagen |
| Model | 312 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 898 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
