1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 105 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Passat (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Passat | 311 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2460 mm |
