1971 Honda Z vs. 1972 NSU 1000
To start off, 1972 NSU 1000 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Z would be higher. At 996 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 NSU 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 NSU 1000 (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 NSU 1000 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 NSU 1000 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 NSU 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Z, 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, 1972 NSU 1000 (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 NSU 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Z | 1972 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Honda | NSU |
| Model | Z | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2260 mm |
