1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1956 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1956 Wartburg 311. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1956 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 312 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
Let's talk about torque, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1956 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Caterham | Wartburg |
| Model | 21 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
