1968 Mazda R-100 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1968 Mazda R-100 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1968 Mazda R-100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mazda R-100 (110 HP) has 61 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mazda R-100 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1968 Mazda R-100.
Because 1968 Mazda R-100 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 Mazda R-100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311, 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, 1968 Mazda R-100 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mazda R-100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mazda R-100 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mazda | Wartburg |
| Model | R-100 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
