1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 NSU 1000
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1971 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 407 kg more than 1971 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. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1971 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Esprit | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2260 mm |
