1971 NSU Ro 80 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 301 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 NSU Ro 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 NSU Ro 80 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | NSU | Lotus |
| Model | Ro 80 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 44 L |
