1961 NSU Prinz IV vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 21 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 385 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, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona 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 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | NSU | Opel |
| Model | Prinz IV | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 598 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 44 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2580 mm |
