1984 Ford Escort vs. 1965 NSU 1200
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort is newer by 19 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 NSU 1200 (54 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 NSU 1200 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Escort weights approximately 154 kg more than 1965 NSU 1200.
Because 1965 NSU 1200 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 1965 NSU 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort, 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, 1984 Ford Escort (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU 1200. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1965 NSU 1200 | |
| Make | Ford | NSU |
| Model | Escort | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
