1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1955 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1955 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1955 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Let's talk about torque, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1955 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Elan | 312 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
