1971 NSU Ro 80 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1971 NSU Ro 80.
Because 1959 Rover P4 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 1959 Rover P4. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 NSU Ro 80 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | NSU | Rover |
| Model | Ro 80 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 54 L |
