2005 BMW 316 vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1962 Wartburg 311. (49 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1962 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1962 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 316 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 2005 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 Wartburg 311, 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, 2005 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 316 | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 316 | 311 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
