1971 NSU Ro 80 vs. 1955 Riley Pathfinder
To start off, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Riley Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1955 Riley Pathfinder. (108 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1955 Riley Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Riley Pathfinder weights approximately 325 kg more than 1971 NSU Ro 80.
Because 1955 Riley Pathfinder 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 1955 Riley Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Riley Pathfinder. (182 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Riley Pathfinder.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 NSU Ro 80 | 1955 Riley Pathfinder | |
| Make | NSU | Riley |
| Model | Ro 80 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 59 L |
