2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1969 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1969 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1969 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1969 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 414 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1969 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige. 1969 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1969 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Lotus | NSU |
| Model | Exige | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 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 | 780 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 82 L |
