2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 454 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lotus Elise | 1971 NSU Ro 80 | |
Make | Lotus | NSU |
Model | Elise | Ro 80 |
Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 82 L |