1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1967 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1967 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin-Healey 100 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 1954 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 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, 1967 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1967 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1967 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1967 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1967 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | NSU |
| Model | 100 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2870 mm |
