1961 NSU Prinz IV vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 NSU Prinz IV would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 300 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 NSU Prinz IV 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 1961 NSU Prinz IV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 NSU Prinz IV | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prinz IV | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 44 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 141 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
