1973 BMW 3 vs. 1959 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1973 BMW 3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1959 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1959 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1959 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 3 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
