1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,390 cc, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 502 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 Lotus Elise 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 NSU Ro 80. 1973 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1973 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Elise | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 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 | 708 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 37 L |
