1965 Toyota Publica vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1965 Toyota Publica is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1961 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Wartburg 311 (49 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1965 Toyota Publica. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1965 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1965 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Toyota Publica 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 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1961 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Toyota Publica. (55 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Toyota Publica | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Toyota | Wartburg |
| Model | Publica | 311 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 55 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 43 L |
