1968 Fiat 850 vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1968 Fiat 850 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 903 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Fiat 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Fiat 850 (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Fiat 850 should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 1968 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1964 Wartburg 312 (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1964 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Fiat | Wartburg |
| Model | 850 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 43 L |
