1992 Ford Mustang vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1992 Ford Mustang 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Mustang (105 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Mustang weights approximately 315 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 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Mustang | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Mustang | 312 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
