1974 NSU Ro 80 vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 36 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, 1974 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo. 1974 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 2010 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 NSU Ro 80 | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | NSU | Smart |
| Model | Ro 80 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2388 cc | 1000 cc |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 33 L |
