1966 BMW 1602 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1966 BMW 1602 is newer by 5 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 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 BMW 1602 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 BMW 1602 (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 BMW 1602 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602.
Because 1966 BMW 1602 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 1966 BMW 1602. 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, 1966 BMW 1602 (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1966 BMW 1602 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 1602 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 40 L |
