1998 Honda Life vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1998 Honda Life is newer by 37 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 898 cc (3 cylinders), 1961 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Life (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1998 Honda Life.
Because 1998 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Wartburg 312. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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, 1961 Wartburg 312 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1961 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Life | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Honda | Wartburg |
| Model | Life | 312 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2460 mm |
