1973 Renault 12 vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 7 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1973 Renault 12.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Renault | Wartburg |
| Model | 12 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 43 L |
