1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1968 Lotus Europa is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Europa | 311 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
