2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 314 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 540 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 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (486 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Wartburg |
| Model | Corvette | 312 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 486 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 40 L |
