1996 BMW 730 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 786 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 730 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 40 L |
