East Germany vs Germany — 1966 vs 1960
| 353 Knight | 700 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 69 lb-ft | 41 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 697 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 22.0 sec | 23.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 78 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | 24.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,411 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 4,220 mm | 3,675 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,000,000 | 188,121 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
The 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight holds an edge across most measurable criteria, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. That said, the 1960 BMW 700 Sport brings greater rarity, stronger collectibility and remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts who value BMW heritage. The right pick depends on whether you prioritize specifications or the intangible qualities that make a car truly special.
When East Germany engineering meets Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight and 1960 BMW 700 Sport embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight producing 50 hp and the 1960 BMW 700 Sport delivering 40 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Wartburg 353 uses a Inline-3 2-stroke displacing 992 cc, while the BMW 700 relies on a Flat-twin 4-stroke with 697 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight edges ahead at 22.0 seconds versus 23.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 188,121 units built, the 1960 BMW 700 Sport is considerably scarcer than the Wartburg 353's 1,000,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1960 BMW 700 Sport commands a significant premium over the 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1960 BMW 700 Sport rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.