1972 Opel Manta vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1972 Opel Manta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Opel Manta (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1972 Opel Manta.
Because 1972 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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 Opel Manta (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Manta | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Opel | Wartburg |
| Model | Manta | 312 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
