1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1963 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1963 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 655 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 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Wartburg |
| Model | Firebird | 311 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2460 mm |
