1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1970 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,390 cc, 1970 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1970 NSU Ro 80. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 NSU Ro 80. 1970 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1970 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Esprit | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 37 L |
