1962 Honda S500 vs. 1973 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,390 cc, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 1962 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1973 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500. 1973 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1962 Honda S500 has manual transmission. 1962 Honda S500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 1973 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Honda | NSU |
| Model | S500 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 37 L |
