1986 Austin Maestro vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1986 Austin Maestro is newer by 25 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 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1986 Austin Maestro.
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, 1986 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Austin Maestro | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | Maestro | 312 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
