1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1110 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 Mercedes-Benz 600 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 Mercedes-Benz 600. 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 Mercedes-Benz 600 (571 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 600 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 571 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
