1966 Simca 1200S vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1966 Simca 1200S is newer by 6 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 1,204 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Simca 1200S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Simca 1200S (79 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Simca 1200S should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1966 Simca 1200S.
Because 1966 Simca 1200S 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 Simca 1200S. 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, 1966 Simca 1200S (106 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (99 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Simca 1200S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Simca 1200S | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Simca | Wartburg |
| Model | 1200S | 311 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1204 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 43 L |
