1966 Wartburg 311 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 46 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 330 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 311 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Mazda |
| Model | 311 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 50 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
