2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1972 NSU 1000
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 1,137 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1972 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1972 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 NSU 1000 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1972 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Caterham | NSU |
| Model | 7 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
