1998 BMW 317 vs. 1961 NSU Prinz IV
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 NSU Prinz IV would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. 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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1961 NSU Prinz IV | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | 317 | Prinz IV |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2050 mm |
