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Wartburg 353 1.0 (50 Hp)
Overall Rating
Wartburg 353:
The Wartburg 353, known in some export markets as the Wartburg Knight, is a medium-sized family car produced by the East German car manufacturer AWE for their Wartburg brand. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311 and was itself succeeded by the Wartburg 1. 3.
The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming the Wartburg with the longest production run. During its lifetime, it saw several changes and improvements, the most recognizable of which came in 1985 with a front facelift , a slightly different layout around the engine block, and a new carburettor....(Read more on Wikipedia)
353 Overview:
Wartburg 353 (353). Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 20 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Wartburg 353 was produced long before modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks airbags, ABS, and advanced crumple zones, offering only basic passive safety features typical of its era.
1.0 (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers basic but functional performance for its time, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 20 seconds highlighting its leisurely pace.
Fuel Economy
Typical two-stroke fuel consumption, which is generally high compared to modern engines, requiring careful mixture management.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive two-stroke engine sound and character (for 1.0L variants)
- • Simple, robust, and easy to maintain mechanicals
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Affordable and practical transportation in its era
- • Classic car appeal and unique historical significance
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy and high emissions (for two-stroke variants)
- • Limited performance and slow acceleration
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Basic comfort and refinement levels
- • Requires specific fuel-oil mixture for two-stroke engines
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(353: 1966 - 1969).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Wartburg |
| Model: | 353 |
| Generation: | 353 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.0 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1969 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp |
| Power per litre: | 50.4 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement: | 992 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Mixture of two stroke engine |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 20 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 20 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18.4 kg/Hp, 54.3 Hp/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 19 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 920 |
| Max. weight: | 1320 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 525 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4220 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1640 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1495 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.2 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 170/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
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