1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP) has 237 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 439 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Esprit | 353 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 44 L |
