1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant 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 1,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Because 1979 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 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 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, 1962 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1962 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Wartburg |
| Model | Charmant | 311 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
