2008 BMW 523 vs. 1956 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1956 Wartburg 311. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1956 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1956 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1956 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 523 | 311 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
