1992 BMW 320 vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1992 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 320 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1962 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 320 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 1992 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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, 1992 BMW 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 320 | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 320 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 43 L |
