1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 39 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1973 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort 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:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Ford | NSU |
| Model | Escort | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 37 L |
