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Wartburg 353 Tourist 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)
Tourist Overview:
Wartburg 353 (Tourist). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Wartburg 353 Tourist was produced long before modern safety standards and testing protocols were established by Euro NCAP. It lacks contemporary safety features like airbags, ABS, or crumple zones.
1.0 (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A modest power increase over the earlier 45 Hp version, providing slightly better responsiveness and a marginal improvement for daily driving.
Fuel Economy
Similar fuel economy characteristics to the 45 Hp 1.0L, maintaining the two-stroke design and its associated oil mixing requirement.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple and robust mechanicals
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity for its class
- • Affordable and easy to maintain (for its era)
- • Distinctive two-stroke engine sound and character
- • Good visibility from the cabin
Cons:
- • Basic safety features (pre-modern standards)
- • High emissions and noise from the two-stroke engine
- • Requires oil mixture with fuel (inconvenient)
- • Limited performance and acceleration
- • Dated design and interior amenities
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(353: 1969 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Wartburg |
| Model: | 353 |
| Generation: | Tourist |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.0 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1975 |
| End of production: | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Mixture of two stroke engine |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 48 l |
| 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.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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