1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP) has 146 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 810 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Wartburg |
| Model | Caprice | 311 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 43 L |
