1966 NSU 1000 vs. 1966 Saab 96
To start off, both 1966 NSU 1000 and 1966 Saab 96 were released in the same year (1966). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Saab 96 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Saab 96 (63 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1966 NSU 1000. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96 should accelerate faster than 1966 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Saab 96 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1966 NSU 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 NSU 1000 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 NSU 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96, 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, 1966 Saab 96 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 NSU 1000. (80 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Saab 96 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 NSU 1000 | 1966 Saab 96 | |
| Make | NSU | Saab |
| Model | 1000 | 96 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1084 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.6 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 38 L |
