2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 795 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | SL | 312 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
