1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1958 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1963 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1958 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 366 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Let's talk about torque, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1958 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Elan | 312 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
