1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,388 cc, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 664 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Fiat 500 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500. 1974 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1964 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1964 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1974 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Fiat | NSU |
| Model | 500 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2388 cc |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 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 | 546 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 37 L |
