2001 BMW M vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 41 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 415 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 2001 BMW M 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 2001 BMW M. 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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | M | 311 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 43 L |
