1978 BMW 730 vs. 1971 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1971 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1971 NSU Ro 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW 730 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 1978 BMW 730. 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 NSU Ro 80. 1971 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1971 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | 730 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
