2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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 Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Exige | 312 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| 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 | 189 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| 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 | 916 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
