1960 Jensen 541 vs. 1975 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1975 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1975 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1975 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jensen 541 weights approximately 284 kg more than 1975 NSU Ro 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Jensen 541 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 1960 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1960 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 NSU Ro 80. (163 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1960 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 NSU Ro 80. 1975 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1960 Jensen 541 has manual transmission. 1960 Jensen 541 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Jensen 541 | 1975 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Jensen | NSU |
| Model | 541 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 37 L |
