1970 Citroen DS vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1970 Citroen DS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Citroen DS (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Citroen DS weights approximately 240 kg more than 1962 Wartburg 311. 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, 1970 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Citroen DS | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Citroen | Wartburg |
| Model | DS | 311 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2460 mm |
