1983 Dodge Mirada vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1983 Dodge Mirada is newer by 21 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 730 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.
Because 1983 Dodge Mirada 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 1983 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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, 1983 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Mirada | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Dodge | Wartburg |
| Model | Mirada | 311 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2460 mm |
