1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 540 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | CLK | 311 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 40 L |
