1981 BMW 518 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 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 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | BMW | Wartburg |
Model | 518 | 312 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 898 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 82 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 70 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |