2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 140 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Elise | 311 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 43 L |
