1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 28 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 646 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Thunderbird | 311 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2460 mm |
