1970 Ford Capri vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1970 Ford Capri is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Capri (47 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1970 Ford Capri.
Because 1970 Ford Capri 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 1970 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1970 Ford Capri (85 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Capri | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Capri | 312 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 40 L |
