1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1970 Lotus Seven is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Because 1970 Lotus Seven 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 1970 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, 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, 1970 Lotus Seven (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
1970 Lotus Seven | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
Model | Seven | 312 |
Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1340 cc | 900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 81 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 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 | 590 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |