1965 Triumph Vitesse vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1965 Triumph Vitesse 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 1,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Triumph Vitesse (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Triumph Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1965 Triumph Vitesse.
Because 1965 Triumph Vitesse 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 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 1965 Triumph Vitesse (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1965 Triumph Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Triumph Vitesse | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Triumph | Wartburg |
| Model | Vitesse | 312 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
