1972 Volvo 145 vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1972 Volvo 145 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 145 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volvo 145 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 Volvo 145. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volvo 145 | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volvo | Wartburg |
| Model | 145 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
