1964 Wartburg 312 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (136 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 116 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 2012 BMW 116. 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, 2012 BMW 116 (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Wartburg 312 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Wartburg | BMW |
| Model | 312 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 51 L |
