1986 Ford Fairlane vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1986 Ford Fairlane 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 672 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 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. 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 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Fairlane | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Fairlane | 312 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
