Borgward Hansa 1100

Borgward Hansa 1100: Which Version to Choose

The Borgward Hansa 1100 catalogue contains two generations of Coupe and two power outputs, although every version carries the same exact database name: 1.1 MT. The decisive choice is therefore between the 40 hp 1.1 MT and the 54 hp 1.1 MT, followed by a choice of generation. Both use a 1101 cc Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Manual gearbox and FWD, but the more powerful version adds 14 hp and 3 Nm.

The Borgward Hansa 1100 catalogue contains two generations of Coupe and two power outputs, although every version carries the same exact database name: 1.1 MT. The decisive choice is therefore between the 40 hp 1.1 MT and the 54 hp 1.1 MT, followed by a choice of generation. Both use a 1101 cc Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Manual gearbox and FWD, but the more powerful version adds 14 hp and 3 Nm. The first generation ran from 1958 to 1959, while the second ran from 1959 to 1961. Buyers seeking the best performance should concentrate on the 54 hp version; those prioritising the lighter specification should compare the 40 hp version across either generation.

Borgward Hansa 1100 generations compared

The 1 generation, produced from 1958 to 1959, is listed exclusively as a Coupe and contains two versions. Its 1.1 MT (40 hp) has a 900 kg kerb weight and 1265 kg gross weight. The 1.1 MT (54 hp) retains exactly the same listed kerb and gross weights, so the extra 14 hp is not accompanied by additional catalogue weight in this generation.

The 2 generation, produced from 1959 to 1961, is also a Coupe with two versions. Its 1.1 MT (40 hp) remains at 900 kg kerb and 1265 kg gross. The 1.1 MT (54 hp) rises to 940 kg kerb and 1435 kg gross, making it 40 kg heavier at the kerb and 170 kg heavier at gross weight than the corresponding first-generation 54 hp car. No Cabrio body is included in the supplied catalogue data.

For the 40 hp version, the stated mechanical specification and weights do not change between generations. For the 54 hp version, the listed engine output, torque, acceleration and top speed also remain unchanged, while the second-generation weights increase. On the available figures alone, the first-generation 54 hp car offers the stronger power-to-weight result.

Borgward Hansa 1100 engine and specs

Because all four entries are named 1.1 MT, generation and power must always be stated alongside the exact version name.

Every version has a front, longitudinal engine with a Carburetor, 2 valves per cylinder and a 74 × 64 bore and stroke. The 40 hp 1.1 MT uses a 7.3 compression ratio, whereas the 54 hp 1.1 MT uses 7.9.

The 40 hp engine produces about 36.3 hp per litre, while the 54 hp engine produces about 49.0 hp per litre. That gives the 54 hp version roughly 12.7 more hp per litre. Its absolute power output is 35% higher, although torque rises by only 3.75%, from 80 Nm to 83 Nm. The figures therefore show a much larger difference in rated power than in peak torque.

Peak output also arrives later in the 54 hp version. Its maximum power is listed at 5000 rpm rather than 4250 rpm, a difference of 750 rpm. Peak torque moves from 2500 rpm in the 40 hp car to 4000 rpm in the 54 hp car, a difference of 1500 rpm.

Borgward Hansa 1100 performance and mpg

All versions have the same stated 0–100 km/h time of 21 seconds, so the extra 14 hp does not create a catalogue advantage in that measurement. It does raise top speed by 10 km/h, from 125 km/h to 135 km/h. The 54 hp 1.1 MT is therefore the performance choice only where power output and maximum speed are concerned.

Fuel consumption is not measured for city, highway or combined driving on any version. An mpg comparison cannot consequently be made from the available data. CO₂ output and environmental class are also not measured for any version.

Borgward Hansa 1100 dimensions, weight and chassis specs

No exterior dimensions are measured in the supplied data. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are also not measured for either generation or either power output. Each version has a 45-litre fuel tank.

The first-generation 40 hp car carries 22.5 kg per horsepower, compared with about 16.7 kg per horsepower for the first-generation 54 hp car. The second-generation 40 hp version is also at 22.5 kg per horsepower, while the second-generation 54 hp car is about 17.4 kg per horsepower. Despite its 40 kg increase, the later 54 hp version still has a substantially better weight-per-horsepower figure than either 40 hp version.

All four versions use Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. Drum brakes are listed at both ends. The chassis descriptions therefore provide no stated basis for choosing one power output or generation over another.

Borgward Hansa 1100 reliability and problems

Reliability records, fault reports and maintenance data are not measured in the supplied catalogue information. It would therefore be unsupported to claim that either generation or either 1.1 MT power output is more reliable. The available specifications show differences in engine tune, performance and—in one case—weight, but they do not establish differences in durability or common problems.

Which Borgward Hansa 1100 version should you buy?

The 1 generation 1.1 MT (54 hp) is the strongest specification-based choice. It provides 14 hp more than the 40 hp car, raises top speed by 10 km/h and retains the same 900 kg kerb weight and 1265 kg gross weight. It consequently combines the catalogue’s highest output with its best weight-per-horsepower figure.

The 2 generation 1.1 MT (54 hp) offers the same 54 hp, 83 Nm, 21-second acceleration time and 135 km/h top speed, but weighs 940 kg rather than 900 kg. If choosing solely from the recorded performance and weight data, it gives no numerical advantage over the first-generation 54 hp version. Its longer production period does not by itself prove a mechanical or reliability benefit.

Either 1.1 MT (40 hp) is the simpler choice when the lower-output specification is preferred. Both generations list identical figures: 40 hp, 80 Nm, 900 kg kerb weight, 1265 kg gross weight, 21 seconds to 100 km/h and a 125 km/h maximum. The supplied data does not reveal a numerical reason to favour one generation’s 40 hp car over the other.

No purchase price or sale-listing data is available, so it is impossible to calculate what the extra power costs or whether a particular Borgward Hansa 1100 for sale represents better value. If two cars have comparable prices and condition, the figures favour the 1 generation 1.1 MT (54 hp). If condition or price differs, those unmeasured factors would need to be assessed separately rather than inferred from this catalogue.