1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1965 NSU Wankel Spider
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 NSU Wankel Spider would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. (49 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 580 kg more than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. (74 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1965 NSU Wankel Spider | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Esprit | Wankel Spider |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 495 cc |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 34 L |
