1969 NSU Ro 80 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1969 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1969 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 856 kg more than 1969 NSU Ro 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 NSU Ro 80. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 NSU Ro 80. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 NSU Ro 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 NSU Ro 80 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | NSU | BMW |
| Model | Ro 80 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
