1972 BMW 520 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 520 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
