1996 Ford Ranger vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1996 Ford Ranger is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Ranger (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 425 kg more than 1962 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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 Ford Ranger (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ranger | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Ranger | 311 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
