1990 BMW 525 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1990 BMW 525 is newer by 30 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP) has 136 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 605 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 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (99 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 525 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
