1971 NSU Ro 80 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 Volkswagen 1600. 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 NSU Ro 80 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ro 80 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 40 L |
