1974 NSU Ro 80 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,388 cc, 1974 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1974 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1974 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 NSU Ro 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 NSU Ro 80 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | NSU | Renault |
| Model | Ro 80 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2388 cc | 1397 cc |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 51 L |
