1965 Opel Kadett vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1965 Opel Kadett is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 993 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Opel Kadett (47 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1965 Opel Kadett.
Because 1965 Opel Kadett 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 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1960 Wartburg 311 (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1960 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Opel Kadett | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Opel | Wartburg |
| Model | Kadett | 311 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 900 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 | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
