1965 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1965 Austin A 40 is newer by 4 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 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin A 40 (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1965 Austin A 40.
Because 1965 Austin A 40 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 1965 Austin A 40. 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, 1961 Wartburg 312 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin A 40 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | A 40 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
