1998 Opel Astra vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 32 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 310 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.
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 Opel Astra (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Opel | Wartburg |
| Model | Astra | 311 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
