1976 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1976 Daihatsu Charmant.
Because 1976 Daihatsu Charmant 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 1976 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1961 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Daihatsu Charmant | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Wartburg |
| Model | Charmant | 311 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 43 L |
