1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1959 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 246 kg more than 1959 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Esprit | 311 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
