Updated: · Technical data from the manufacturers' datasheets (how we write our datasheets)
The Varta E44 gives you 3 Ah more capacity and 100 A more cold cranking current than the Varta E11, in exactly the same size (278 × 175 × 190 mm), the same L3 case and with the positive terminal on the same side. That makes them interchangeable: the E11 is the like-for-like replacement when your car takes a 74 Ah, 680 A battery, while the E44 is worth it if you want more starting margin, especially for diesel engines or very cold weather.
Technical comparison
| Spec | Varta E11 | Varta E44 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | VARTA Dynamic SLI | VARTA Dynamic SLI |
| Technology | Lead-acid | Lead-acid |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Capacity | 74 Ah | 77 Ah |
| Cold cranking (EN) | 680 A | 780 A |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | 278 × 175 × 190 mm |
| Case | L3 | L3 |
| Weight | 16.82 kg | 17.33 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right | Positive terminal on the right |
| ETN code | 574 012 068 | 577 400 078 |
What the difference means in practice
- Capacity: 77 Ah against 74 Ah. A small gap (4 %) that gives a little more reserve for the alarm, radio or lights with the engine off.
- Cold cranking: 780 A against 680 A, 15 % more. This is the difference you notice most in winter and with engines that draw a lot of current on start-up.
- Weight: 17.33 kg for the E44 and 16.82 kg for the E11.
- Fitting: identical. Both use the L3 case (H6 in DIN terms), the same base hold-down (code B13 on the manufacturer's datasheet) and standard terminals with the positive on the right.
- Technology: both are conventional lead-acid batteries from the VARTA Dynamic SLI range. They are not designed for cars with Start-Stop.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Varta E11 if your current battery is an E11, or a 74 Ah, 680 A battery in an L3 case: it is the exact replacement.
- Choose the Varta E44 if your current battery is an E44, or if you are replacing an E11 and want more cranking power for a diesel, a car parked outdoors in winter or one with lots of electrical equipment. It fits the same space and uses the same cables.
- Choose neither if your car has Start-Stop: it needs an EFB battery such as the Varta N70 or an AGM such as the Varta A7, depending on what it was fitted with from the factory. We explain this in Varta A7 (formerly E39): what changed and equivalents.
Alternatives: E12, E13, E38 and E43
If neither the E11 nor the E44 suits your car because of height or terminal layout, these are the closest Varta references:
| Battery | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Case | Polarity | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varta E11 | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E44 | 77 Ah | 780 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E12 | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the left | Lead-acid |
| Varta E13 | 70 Ah | 640 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E38 | 74 Ah | 750 A | 278 × 175 × 175 mm | LB3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E43 | 72 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 175 mm | LB3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
- Varta E12: the same 74 Ah and 680 A as the E11, but with the positive on the left. Only for cars with the positive terminal on that side.
- Varta E13: same L3 case and polarity as the E11, with 70 Ah and 640 A. The option if your original battery was 70 Ah.
- Varta E38 and Varta E43: low LB3 case, 175 mm high instead of 190 mm. For battery trays with limited height where an L3 will not fit; the E38 has 74 Ah and 750 A, the E43 72 Ah and 680 A.
To check your battery's case size, see Car battery sizes: L1-L6, LB1-LB5, B and D (Asian) cases or browse all L3 car batteries.
Equivalents from other brands
With the same specs as the E11 (74 Ah, 680 A, L3 case, positive on the right) you have the Exide EB740 and the Tudor TB740. For the E44, the closest are the Exide EA770 and the Tudor TA770. The full list, including Fulmen and Deta, is in Varta, Bosch, Exide and Tudor car battery equivalents table.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a Varta E44 instead of an E11?
Yes. They have the same dimensions, the same L3 case and the same polarity; the E44 adds 3 Ah and 100 A. If your car has electronic battery management, register the new battery as the vehicle manufacturer specifies.
And an E11 instead of an E44?
It fits the same space, but you will have 100 A less cold cranking current. If your car came with an E44 or a 77 Ah, 780 A battery, it is best to stick with those figures.
Are the E11 or E44 suitable for a Start-Stop car?
No. They are conventional lead-acid batteries. A Start-Stop car needs an EFB (such as the N70) or an AGM (such as the A7), depending on the technology it was fitted with from the factory.
What is the difference between the Varta E11 and E12?
Only the polarity: the E11 has the positive on the right and the E12 on the left. Capacity, cold cranking and dimensions are the same.
What is the ETN code shown in the table?
It is the European Type Number, a 9-digit code that identifies the battery's specification. The E11's is 574 012 068 and the E44's is 577 400 078: two batteries with the same ETN have the same specs, even if they are different brands.