1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 84 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 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Cortina | 311 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 43 L |
