1986 Buick Regal vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1986 Buick Regal 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Regal weights approximately 530 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 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal. 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 Buick Regal (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Buick | Wartburg |
| Model | Regal | 312 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
