2003 Beijing BJ 2020 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 is newer by 42 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 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 weights approximately 620 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 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Wartburg 312. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 (173 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Beijing BJ 2020 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Beijing | Wartburg |
| Model | BJ 2020 | 312 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1961 |
| Engine Size | 2445 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
