2009 BMW 120 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 49 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 425 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 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 120 | 311 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 40 L |
