1971 Honda Life vs. 1970 NSU 1000
To start off, 1971 Honda Life is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 996 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 NSU 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 NSU 1000 (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 NSU 1000 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 NSU 1000 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 NSU 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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, 1970 NSU 1000 (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1970 NSU 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 1970 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Honda | NSU |
| Model | Life | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2260 mm |
