East Germany vs USA — 1966 vs 1962
| 353 Knight | Lark Daytona Convertible | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 69 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 22.0 sec | 9.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,049 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 4,220 mm | 4,775 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,000,000 | 3,602 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,814 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
The 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
When East Germany engineering meets USA craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight and 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 50 hp, a 175-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Wartburg 353 uses a Inline-3 2-stroke displacing 992 cc, while the Studebaker Lark relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible edges ahead at 9.5 seconds versus 22.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,602 units built, the 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible is considerably scarcer than the Wartburg 353's 1,000,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible commands a significant premium over the 1966 Wartburg 353 Knight, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.