1976 NSU Ro 80 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1976 NSU Ro 80 is newer by 6 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 2,390 cc, 1976 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 340 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, 1976 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, 1976 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 1976 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 NSU Ro 80 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ro 80 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2390 cc | 1584 cc |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
