2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 410 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Esprit | 311 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 43 L |
