1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 18 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 740 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 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Wartburg |
| Model | Caprice | 311 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
