1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1955 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1968 Fiat 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 900 cc (3 cylinders), 1955 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Wartburg 311 (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1955 Wartburg 311 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1955 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1955 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Fiat | Wartburg |
| Model | 500 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
