2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 433 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 995 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 620 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | SL | 311 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
