1966 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1969 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1969 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 432 kg more than 1966 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Austin A 40 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 1966 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin A 40 | 1969 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Austin | NSU |
| Model | A 40 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 82 L |
