1973 Volvo 1800 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1973 Volvo 1800 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volvo 1800 (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volvo 1800 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Volvo 1800 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 Volvo 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1973 Volvo 1800 (154 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volvo 1800 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volvo | Wartburg |
| Model | 1800 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
