1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1959 NSU Prinz I
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 NSU Prinz I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 NSU Prinz I would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 NSU Prinz I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1094 kg more than 1959 NSU Prinz I. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (41 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 NSU Prinz I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1959 NSU Prinz I | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | NSU |
| Model | 500 | Prinz I |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 41 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 109 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 44 L |
