2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 731 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 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Wartburg 312. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Dodge | Wartburg |
| Model | Nitro | 312 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2774 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 280 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
