1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1969 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1978 Mazda 818 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 1,990 cc, 1969 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 818 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 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1969 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Mazda | NSU |
| Model | 818 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2870 mm |
