1966 Wartburg 312 vs. 1987 Westfield ZEI
To start off, 1987 Westfield ZEI is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Westfield ZEI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Westfield ZEI (218 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Westfield ZEI should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1987 Westfield ZEI.
Because 1987 Westfield ZEI 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 1987 Westfield ZEI. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1987 Westfield ZEI (292 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 Westfield ZEI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 312 | 1987 Westfield ZEI | |
| Make | Wartburg | Westfield |
| Model | 312 | ZEI |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2340 mm |
