1973 Ford Escort vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1973 Ford Escort 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Escort (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 46 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Escort | 312 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
