2006 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 45 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Lumina (204 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 516 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 2006 Chevrolet Lumina 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 2006 Chevrolet Lumina. 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, 2006 Chevrolet Lumina (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Lumina | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Wartburg |
| Model | Lumina | 312 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
