1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 NSU 1000
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1973 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 515 kg more than 1973 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1973 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Esprit | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 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 | 1175 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2260 mm |
