1973 BMW 3 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1973 BMW 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 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 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 BMW 3 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 1973 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | BMW | Wartburg |
Model | 3 | 312 |
Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
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 | 81 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 70.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
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 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |