2003 BMW 730 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2003 BMW 730 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 730 weights approximately 830 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 BMW 730 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 2003 BMW 730. 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, 2003 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 730 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 730 | 312 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
