Updated: · Technical data from the manufacturers' datasheets (how we write our datasheets)
N60 or N70? Both are Varta EFB batteries built for Start-Stop, but they are not really rivals: each one fills a different space. The N60 has an L2 case (242 × 175 × 190 mm) and the N70 an L3 (278 × 175 × 190 mm), which is 36 mm longer. That extra size gives the N70 10 Ah more capacity and 120 A more cold cranking. The rule is simple: stick with the format your car already uses.
N60 and N70 in numbers
| Spec | Varta N60 | Varta N70 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | VARTA Dynamic EFB | VARTA Dynamic EFB |
| Technology | EFB | EFB |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Capacity | 60 Ah | 70 Ah |
| Cold cranking (EN) | 640 A | 760 A |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | 278 × 175 × 190 mm |
| Case | L2 | L3 |
| Weight | 16.49 kg | 18.83 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right | Positive terminal on the right |
| ETN code | 560 500 064 | 570 500 076 |
The differences that matter
- Size: the N60 is 242 mm long and the N70 278 mm; width and height are identical, and on both the positive is on the right.
- Capacity: the N70 offers 17 % more (70 Ah against 60 Ah).
- Cranking: 19 % more current in the cold as well (760 A against 640 A).
- Weight: 16.49 kg and 18.83 kg respectively.
- Technology: EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) on both, from the VARTA Dynamic EFB range: lead-acid with liquid electrolyte, but with strengthened plates to survive the constant restarts of Start-Stop.
Which battery to order
- Varta N60: when the battery coming out is an N60 or any 60 Ah EFB in an L2 case.
- Varta N70: when you are removing an N70 or a 70 Ah EFB in an L3 case.
- No jumping between sizes: the N70 will not go into an L2 tray, and the N60 would rattle around in an L3 one while falling short on capacity.
- Careful if your car came with AGM: then neither the N60 nor the N70 is an option. It needs an AGM of the same format: the Varta A8 for L2 or the Varta A7 for L3.
Moving up from EFB to AGM
Starting from an EFB, AGM is an upgrade you can make without changing tray. What we never recommend is the reverse step, from AGM down to EFB. These are the same-size pairs:
| Battery | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Case | Polarity | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varta N60 | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | L2 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
| Varta A8 | 60 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | L2 | Positive terminal on the right | AGM |
| Varta N70 | 70 Ah | 760 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
| Varta A7 | 70 Ah | 760 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | AGM |
AGM handles repeated discharges better, which pays off in cars used mostly in town or loaded with electrical equipment. If the AGM range interests you, read Varta A7 vs A6: the differences and which to choose; the head-to-head of the A7 against the N70 is in Varta A7 (formerly E39): what changed and equivalents.
If you prefer Exide
The Exide twin of the N60 is the Exide EL600, and that of the N70 the Exide EL700, with the same amp hours, cranking current, format and polarity. We put them against each other in Exide EL600 vs EL700: how the two EFB batteries differ. Here is every battery our range treats as equivalent to the N60:
| Battery | Brand | Technology | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exide EL600 | Exide | EFB | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Exide EK620 | Exide | AGM | 62 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Tudor TL600 | Tudor | EFB | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Tudor TK620 | Tudor | AGM | 62 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Fulmen FL600 | Fulmen | EFB | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Fulmen FK600 | Fulmen | AGM | 60 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Fulmen FK620 | Fulmen | AGM | 62 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Deta DL600 | Deta | EFB | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Deta DK600 | Deta | AGM | 60 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
| Deta DK620 | Deta | AGM | 62 Ah | 680 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the right |
The N70's equivalents are part of Varta, Bosch, Exide and Tudor car battery equivalents table.
Cars without Start-Stop
An EFB does no harm in a car without Start-Stop, but nor is it necessary: if yours originally had a conventional L3, the Varta E11 and the Varta E44 are the references in that format, and we help you decide in Varta E11 vs E44: the differences and which to choose. More EFB batteries for Start-Stop are in EFB Start-Stop batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swap an N60 for an N70 to get more cranking power?
Hardly ever, because the N70 needs 36 mm more room lengthwise. If you are still considering it, measure the tray and the clamp first.
What about an N60 in place of an N70?
We do not recommend it: an L3 clamp will not hold it firmly and you would lose 10 Ah of capacity.
Which AGM replaces the N60, and which the N70?
The A8 shares the N60's format and the A7 that of the N70. Both are an upgrade on the original EFB.
Is a conventional battery OK for a Start-Stop car?
No. A conventional battery wears out quickly under so many stop and restart cycles. With Start-Stop, the replacement is EFB or AGM, depending on what the car had from new.
Do I have to register the N60 or N70 when I change it?
It depends on the car. Many Start-Stop models have a sensor that manages charging, and it must be told the battery is new; check the vehicle handbook or ask your garage.