2004 Volvo V50 vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2004 Volvo V50 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo V50 (197 HP) has 148 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo V50 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Wartburg 311. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo V50 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, 2004 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volvo V50 | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volvo | Wartburg |
| Model | V50 | 311 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 43 L |
