1959 Fiat 1800 vs. 1974 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 2,388 cc, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1800. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1974 NSU Ro 80.
Because 1959 Fiat 1800 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 1959 Fiat 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1800. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1800. 1974 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1800 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1800 | 1974 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Fiat | NSU |
| Model | 1800 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2388 cc |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 37 L |
