1966 Wartburg 312 vs. 2012 Suzuki SX4
To start off, 2012 Suzuki SX4 is newer by 46 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki SX4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki SX4 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki SX4 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki SX4 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. 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 Suzuki SX4 (156 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki SX4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 312 | 2012 Suzuki SX4 | |
| Make | Wartburg | Suzuki |
| Model | 312 | SX4 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 11:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
