1997 Venturi Atlantique vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1997 Venturi Atlantique is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Venturi Atlantique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Venturi Atlantique (307 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Venturi Atlantique should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Venturi Atlantique weights approximately 330 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Venturi Atlantique 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 Venturi Atlantique. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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 Venturi Atlantique (402 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Venturi Atlantique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Venturi Atlantique | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Venturi | Wartburg |
| Model | Atlantique | 312 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
