1988 BMW M3 vs. 1973 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,390 cc, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1973 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 NSU Ro 80. 1973 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1973 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | M3 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 37 L |
