1966 NSU Prinz vs. 1979 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 NSU Prinz. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 NSU Prinz would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Golf (50 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1966 NSU Prinz. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 NSU Prinz. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 185 kg more than 1966 NSU Prinz. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 NSU Prinz 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 Prinz. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1979 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 NSU Prinz. (42 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 NSU Prinz.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 NSU Prinz | 1979 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prinz | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 45 L |
