2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP) has 148 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 570 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Wartburg |
| Model | Firebird | 311 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 43 L |
