1986 BMW 735 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1986 BMW 735 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 735 (220 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 735 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW 735 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 1986 BMW 735. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, 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, 1986 BMW 735 (315 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 735 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 735 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
