1964 Austin Princess vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1964 Austin Princess is newer by 3 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 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin Princess (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 1220 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 1964 Austin Princess 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 1964 Austin Princess. 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, 1964 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1964 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | Princess | 312 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
