1979 BMW 732 vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1979 BMW 732 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 732 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 732 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1962 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 BMW 732 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 1979 BMW 732. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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, 1979 BMW 732 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 732 | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 732 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 43 L |
