1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1971 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Prefect 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 Ford Prefect. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1971 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Ford | NSU |
| Model | Prefect | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 82 L |
