2000 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 34 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), 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E (160 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 630 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.
Because 2000 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz E | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | E | 311 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| 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 | 160 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
