2004 BMW 530 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2004 BMW 530 is newer by 43 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 2,924 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 530 (228 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 530 weights approximately 610 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 2004 BMW 530 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 2004 BMW 530. 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, 2004 BMW 530 (290 Nm) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm). This means 2004 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 530 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 530 | 312 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2924 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 | 7250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
