1997 Honda NSX vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 528 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Honda | Wartburg |
| Model | NSX | 311 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
