1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT is newer by 11 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 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT.
Because 1972 Alfa Romeo GT 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 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. 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, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 Alfa Romeo GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Wartburg |
| Model | GT | 312 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
