1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1965 NSU 1200
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 NSU 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 NSU 1200 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 177 more horse power than 1965 NSU 1200. (54 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1965 NSU 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 894 kg more than 1965 NSU 1200. 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 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU 1200. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU 1200. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1965 NSU 1200 has manual transmission. 1965 NSU 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1965 NSU 1200 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | NSU |
| Model | 500 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 133 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
