1978 Austin Marina vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1978 Austin Marina is newer by 17 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Austin Marina (59 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 88 kg more than 1978 Austin Marina.
Because 1978 Austin Marina 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 1978 Austin Marina. 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, 1978 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | Marina | 311 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
