1966 Wartburg 311 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Wartburg 311. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 311 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Wartburg | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 311 | ML |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 50 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1816 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2913 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 95 L |
