1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1969 Abarth 1300 is newer by 8 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 1,280 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Abarth 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 334 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Because 1969 Abarth 1300 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 1969 Abarth 1300. 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, 1969 Abarth 1300 (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Abarth | Wartburg |
| Model | 1300 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
