1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 36 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 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1464 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 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Wartburg |
| Model | Express | 312 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2460 mm |
