1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1966 NSU 1000
To start off, both 1966 Lotus Elan and 1966 NSU 1000 were released in the same year (1966). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (104 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1966 NSU 1000. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Lotus Elan weights approximately 16 kg more than 1966 NSU 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1966 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Elan | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1084 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 37 L |
