1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1972 Ford Mustang 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 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 694 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 Mustang 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 Mustang. 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 Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Mustang | 311 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 43 L |
