1981 Ford Escort vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort.
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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Escort | 312 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2460 mm |
