1983 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (53 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1960 Wartburg 311 (99 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1960 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Golf | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Golf | 311 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
