1977 Toyota Carina vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1977 Toyota Carina is newer by 16 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Carina (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Carina weights approximately 35 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 1977 Toyota Carina 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 1977 Toyota Carina. 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, 1977 Toyota Carina (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Toyota Carina | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Toyota | Wartburg |
| Model | Carina | 312 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
