1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 20 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 795 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 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Wartburg |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 311 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2460 mm |
