1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1962 Abarth 600 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 980 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Abarth 600 (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 377 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600.
Because 1962 Abarth 600 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 1962 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1962 Abarth 600 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1962 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | 600 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
