1988 BMW 520 vs. 1971 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 17 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 2,390 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 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 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 NSU Ro 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1971 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | 520 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 37 L |
