2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Elise | 312 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 43 L |
