1992 BMW 545 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1992 BMW 545 is newer by 31 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 545 weights approximately 690 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 1992 BMW 545 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 545. 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, 1992 BMW 545 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 545 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 545 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
