2009 Audi A3 vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 48 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 430 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Audi A3 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Audi | Wartburg |
| Model | A3 | 312 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
