1962 Austin A 99 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1962 Austin A 99 is newer by 1 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 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin A 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin A 99 (110 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin A 99 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin A 99 weights approximately 570 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.
Because 1962 Austin A 99 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 Austin A 99. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1962 Austin A 99 (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1962 Austin A 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 99 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | A 99 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
