1974 BMW 518 vs. 1974 NSU Ro 80
To start off, both 1974 BMW 518 and 1974 NSU Ro 80 were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,388 cc, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1974 NSU Ro 80.
Because 1974 BMW 518 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 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 1974 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1974 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | 518 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2388 cc |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 37 L |
