1996 BMW 535 vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 702 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 535 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
