1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1964 Wartburg 312 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 900 cc (3 cylinders), 1964 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Alpine A 108 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Alpine A 108 should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 371 kg more than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Because 1962 Alpine A 108 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 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Wartburg 312, 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, 1964 Wartburg 312 (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1964 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alpine A 108 | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Alpine | Wartburg |
| Model | A 108 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 43 L |
