1970 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 370 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair 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 Mitsubishi Debonair. 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 Mitsubishi Debonair (162 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Wartburg |
| Model | Debonair | 312 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2460 mm |
