2004 BMW 318 vs. 1971 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 33 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 1,990 cc, 1971 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 NSU Ro 80.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1971 NSU Ro 80 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1971 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | BMW | NSU |
| Model | 318 | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 82 L |
