1998 Ford Contour vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 36 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 272 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Contour | 311 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
