1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1961 NSU Prinz IV
To start off, 1961 NSU Prinz IV is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 850 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen 2CV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 NSU Prinz IV (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 NSU Prinz IV should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen 2CV weights approximately 170 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Because 1959 Citroen 2CV is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV will offer significantly more control. 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, 1959 Citroen 2CV (50 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1959 Citroen 2CV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1961 NSU Prinz IV | |
| Make | Citroen | NSU |
| Model | 2CV | Prinz IV |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 37 L |
