1992 Mazda AZ-1 vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1992 Mazda AZ-1 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 900 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda AZ-1 (63 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda AZ-1 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1992 Mazda AZ-1.
Because 1992 Mazda AZ-1 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 Mazda AZ-1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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 Mazda AZ-1 (88 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda AZ-1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda AZ-1 | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mazda | Wartburg |
| Model | AZ-1 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 657 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
