1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP) has 69 more horse power than 1963 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1963 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 70 kg more than 1963 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Lancia | Wartburg |
| Model | Beta | 311 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 43 L |
