1983 Opel Senator vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1983 Opel Senator is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Senator (134 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1963 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1963 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Senator weights approximately 404 kg more than 1963 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Opel Senator 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 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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 Opel Senator (189 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Opel Senator | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Opel | Wartburg |
| Model | Senator | 311 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 43 L |
