Marque: Audi/NSU - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

Audi/NSU

August Horch worked as an engineer with Benz in the 1890s, leaving in 1899 to start his own firm; the first Horch car (with a two cylinder engine) was produced in 1900. A multitude of vehicles and engine types followed, including a six-cylinder, eight-litre motor. After differences of opinion between Horch and his partners, he departed in 1909 and started another new car manufacturing concern. Prevented…

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Audi/NSU Nsu R080

PRICE: £700 -£4000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1968-76 (thereafter to special order only)
Bodywork:
Four-door saloon
Engine:
Twin rotor Wankel rotary two chambers each of 497cc (equivalent to 1990cc for a conventional engine) 114bhp
0-60 mph:
12+ sec
Top Speed:
110+ mph
MPG:
18-25 mpg

PAST: Ro80 was and perhaps still the most advanced car ever made although it killed the maker in the process. Biggest wow was the Wankel engine twinned with a modern semi auto (very today!). Engine mods were carried out over 1969/70, using more durable rotor tip seals. Tinted glass from 1972, and interior changes made in 1973 but car discontinued in 1977.

PRESENT: With Audi-like styling, Ro80 is still amazingly modern. Sadly engine problems, especially with rotor tip seal and rotor housing wear (resulting in high oil use and low compression), meant the car suffered from a dreadful reputation. Indeed many examples had conventional engines from other makes installed– notably Ford V4 and V6 units!

FUTURE: Still great value, those with an eye on engineering will appreciate the Ro80 for what it was, and still is.

Audi/NSU 80 (1972-1979)

PRICE: £100- £1800

Fast Facts

Produced:
1972-79
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon; four-door saloon five-door estate
Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1296cc 60bhp; 1470cc 75 or 85bhp; 1588cc 75 85 110bhp
0-60 mph:
1470cc (75bhp) 13+ sec; 1588cc (85bhp) 12+ sec; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 9.5 sec
Top Speed:
1470cc (75bhp) 95+ mph; 1588cc (85bhp) 100 mph; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 110+ mph
MPG:
Petrol 25-35 mpg

PAST: 80 was the 3 Series of its day based upon the similar VW Passat, which arrived in Britain in the autumn of 1972. August 1974 saw the introduction of a 1.6 litre GT model that was much underrated in its day. Estates made their debut in June 1975 and 1.5s were replaced by 1.6 units later. For ‘76 Golf GTi-engined GTE models replaced the previous GT versions. Luxurious GLS variants for 1977.

PRESENT: These were smart cars in their time; now scarce (corrosion has despatched most to scrapyards during the last quarter century), liked for their zest and quality build. GTs and GTEs hold most appeal as they are a classier take on the Golf GTi concept.

FUTURE: Car Of The Year for 1973, but apart from the excellent GT versions there’s little chance of this mouldbreaking Audi achieving classic status.

Audi/NSU 80/90/100 (TO 1976)

PRICE: £100-£1500

Fast Facts

Produced:
1970-76
Bodywork:
Two or four-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead-valve in-line four-cylinder 1760cc 100bhp; 1871cc 112bhp
0-60 mph:
1760cc 12+ sec; 1871cc 11+ sec
Top Speed:
1760cc 105 mph; 1871cc 105+ mph
MPG:
18-30+ mpg

PAST: Following the merger in 1969 of Audi and NSU, the revitalised Audi NSU Auto Union AG concern introduced new saloons designated 60, 90, and 100, arriving in Britain in the spring of 1969. GL versions, powered by a 1.9-litre (also featuring improved brakes and halogen headlights) followed in 1971. Three years later brought revised styling plus engine and suspension improvements while October 1975 saw the adoption of larger bumpers, a flagship SE version, with auto trans, steel sunroof, vinyl covered roof and tinted glass.

PRESENT: Highly competent BMW-like saloon at almost the first attempt that was well acclaimed for its era, liked for its refinement and spaciousness.

FUTURE: First of the ‘proper’ Audis, it’s a far better car than the almost extinct 60 /75 models.

Audi/NSU Audi 100 (1976-82)

PRICE: £100-£1800

Fast Facts

Produced:
1976-82
Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; five-door estate
Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1984cc petrol 115bhp; in-line five cylinder 2144cc petrol 115 or 136bhp or in-line five-cylinder diesel 1986cc 67bhp
0-60 mph:
11-20 sec
Top Speed:
90-130mph
MPG:
Petrol 18-30+ mpg; Diesel 30-40+ mpg

PAST: A redesigned and very cleanlystyled 100 emerged in October 1976, powered by a detuned Porsche 924 engine. From late 1977 was a fivecylinder, 2.2 litre, employing Bosch fuel-injection. From September 1978, five pot, 2144cc carburettor-fed engines replaced the previous fourcylinders. Avant (estate) versions that same year, with four-cylinder 1.6 litre, five-cylinder 2.2-litre or five-cylinder 1986cc diesel engines.

PRESENT: Arguably the start of the real modern Audi, the 100 was highly acclaimed in the 1970s and they still make decent daily drivers, especially the Volvo-like Avant estates.

FUTURE: These ‘modern classics’ are available at bargain prices but can still give good service so long as you avoid rusty ones. No real classic potential but always an interesting pick.

Audi/NSU Coupe & Cabriolet

PRICE: Normal trade prices apply

Fast Facts

Produced:
1989-2000
Bodywork:
Two-door coupe and convertible
Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1984cc 115bhp Overhead camshaft in-line five-cylinder 2309cc 133bhp; Overhead camshaft V6 2598cc 150bhp
0-60 mph:
2.0/2.3 11-13+ sec; 2.8V6 8.1 sec
Top Speed:
115-130mph
MPG:
28-33 mpg

PAST: Launched at the tail end of the 1986 80 range, this rag top really sprang to prominence when the late Princess Diana drove one and overnight this Audi became a style icon. Initially a five pot 2.3, but anything from a 1.8 to a 2.8 V6 later featured. Production ran into the New Millennium with assorted ugrades along with the Coupe on which it was based but former had the benefit of hardcore S2 spin-offs.

PRESENT: The rag top has style to spare although this image icon rarely drove as well as it looked, missing the rigidity and 180lb added lightness of the Coupe. That said it’s good enough although entry 1.8/2.0s are a bit sluggish; car is best as sweet running V6. S2 is a wannabe Quattro although lacks original charisma.

FUTURE: Both cars are modern classics and have potential, especially hot S2s.

Audi/NSU Nsu Prinz (& Derivatives)

PRICE: £500-£3000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1957-72
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon; two-door fixedhead coupé
Engine:
Prinz: Overhead camshaft in-line two-cylinder 583cc 24 or 30bhp; Sport Prinz: As above but 598cc 36bhp; 1000: Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 996cc 43bhp;Typ 110: As above but 1085cc 53bhp; 1200TT: As above but 1177cc 70bhp
0-60 mph:
11-26 sec
Top Speed:
70-100mph
MPG:
30-50mpg

PAST: Unveiled in 1957, the rearengined Prinz was an economy vehicle, but by contrast with most ‘bubble’ cars of the era, was a proper car. Powered by an air-cooled, in-line, overhead cam twin-cylinder, based on NSU’s motorcycle units, the diminutive NSU was produced in Prinz I (‘basic’) and better equipped Prinz II versions. Bertone style Sport Prinz coupé for 1958 with Prinz III following in 1960, with special ‘Prinzair’ rear suspension mods. From late 1961 a larger bore version signalled ‘Prinz 4’ while a.more luxurious Prinz 4L arrived in 1967. Late in 1963, four pots made their debut.

PRESENT: The German ‘Imp’, Prinz is a sophisticated piece of kit. The top Tts are Cooper alternatives and good fun.

FUTURE: Problem has to be finding ‘em but Germany has decent supply. Not really a classic but interesting enough.

Audi/NSU Quattro & Coupe

PRICE: Quattro Turbo: £3000-£25,000+; GT Coupé: £1000-£3000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1980-91
Bodywork:
Three-door hatchback
Engine:
Quattro Turbo (1981 on): Overhead camshaft, in-line five cylinder 2144cc 200bhp; Quattro Turbo 20 valve 1989-91: Overhead camshaft in-line five cylinder 220bhp Coupe Overhead camshaft in-line five-cylinder 2144cc 115bhp
0-60 mph:
Coupe 10.5 sec; Quattro 5.9-6.5 sec
Top Speed:
Coupe 114mph; Quattro Turbo 135-140+ mph
MPG:
19-31 mpg

PAST: A true icon. Making its debut at the 1980 Geneva show was the awesome Quattro coupé, powered by a turbo, fuel-injected five-pot fed via permanent four wheel drive. It rewrote the rule book! Initially, only left hand drive but UK cars followed in 1982. A new and more powerful 2.2 litre was adopted in late in ‘87, together with a Torsen (‘torque sensing’) centre diff and restyled facia. Higher output 20V engines from 1989. Lesser Coupe (badged as C) was simpler fwd machine in every way.

PRESENT: Quttros offer outstanding levels of performance and grip and is still a great daily driver. Lesser C is more a Capri 2.0GL rival but a nice car.

FUTURE: Recent TV stardom will force prices up but may not sustain them unless top model. Plain Coupe has little following as a result but is cheap.

Audi/NSU V8

PRICE: £1000-£2500

Fast Facts

Produced:
1988-94
Bodywork:
Four-door saloon
Engine:
V8 overhead camshaft 3562cc 250bhp; 4.2 4172c 276bhhp
0-60 mph:
9.3 secs
Top Speed:
146mph
MPG:
23 mpg

PAST: Introduced in 1988 this was Audi’s first big-hitting saloon and aimed to take the fight to BMW and Mercedes. Naturally it also featured famed Quattro all-wheel drive system with Torsen centre diff. Three years after launch a 4.2 V8 surfaced which also saw service in the advanced aluminium-bodied A8.

PRESENT: If you can find one then you’re in for a treat because this understated saloon provides real satisfaction and all-wheel drive security; it still remains one of the most userfriendly performance saloons ever. Luxury also to high order.

FUTURE: If nothing else the V8 deserves some sort of recognition although the later alloy-bodied A8 is a much better all rounder. Biggest worry is finding a good car that’s been cared for properly. Valuations are difficult but it’s certainly not restoring one. Worth mothballing.

Audi/NSU 100 (1983-1991)

PRICE: £200-£1700

Fast Facts

Produced:
1983-91
Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; five door-estate
Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1781cc petrol 90bhp Overhead camshaft in-line five-cylinder 1994cc petrol 115bhp; 2144cc petrol 136bhp; 2226cc petrol 138-165bhp; 2309cc petrol 136bhp; 1986cc turbodiesel 87bhp
0-60 mph:
9-12.5+ sec
Top Speed:
110+ mph-130 mph
MPG:
18-40+ mpg

PAST: Building on the strong foundations of the previous 100, the new range was introduced in 1983. Quattros arrived early in 1985, powered by a 2.3-litre engine. Restyling featured on post April 1988 example and range again updated in the summer of 1989, with 165bhp turbo 2.2 -litre engines (also standard-fit antilock brakes) featuring on Turbo versions.

PRESENT: With each Audi newcomer came more advanced and daring features and this 100 range was one of the most aerodynamic cars ever made. A slippery shape meant that even with a four-speed ‘box, very high gearing could be employed and its cruising qualities still impresses some 25 years on.

FUTURE: Tipped by many to become ‘future classics’, these models provide good performance and excellent value for money. Buy the best as resto is a waste of time and money – unless later S4.

Audi/NSU 100S Coupe

PRICE: £500-£5000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1971-76
Bodywork:
Two-door fixed head coupé
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1871cc 112bhp
0-60 mph:
10.5+ sec
Top Speed:
110+ mph
MPG:
20-28 mpg

PAST: With Aston DBS-like looks, ample accommodation and sprightly pace, the 100 S Coupé was introduced here in ‘71 by which time a single choke Solex carb was used and output fell slightly. Styling mods applied to the front end from the summer of 1973 but the end of the production road sadly came in 1976.

PRESENT: A sort of cultured Capri, the 100S as well respected in its day even at the lofty prices asked. Car’s real forte was its high gearing which meant it was a good crusier even with fourspeeds. Never that quick enough but tidy fwd handling made the most of it.

FUTURE: Never sold in huge numbers in the UK, these characterful coupés are rare and desirable, although asking prices are usually reasonable. Repair costs (due to rust) can be considerable and spares becoming scarce. Unlikely to achieve classic status but a fine car.

Audi/NSU 200

PRICE: £200-£1500

Fast Facts

Produced:
1980-89
Bodywork:
Four-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead camshaft, in-line five-cylinder 2144cc 136bhp (E) or 182bhp (Turbo) 2226cc 190bhp (Turbo E)
0-60 mph:
2144cc 200E (automatic) 12+ sec; 2144cc Turbo 8+ sec
Top Speed:
2144cc 200E (automatic); 120+ mph; 2144cc Turbo, 140+ mph
MPG:
18-30+ mpg

PAST: Big brother to the 100 the luxurious 200 Turbo started to woo buyers in the spring of 1980. Powered by a five pot, 2.1-litre turbo this was a fast car. It was also well-equipped, but even so a year later the 200SE arrived, sans turbo but with auto transmission (a manual ‘4+E’ ‘box was optional). The spring of 1984 saw the new 200E and Turbos, derived from the contemporary 100. Quattro Turbo variants (with four wheel-drive and galvanised body shells) arrived in January 1985.

PRESENT: Yet again here’s a thoroughly competent Audi that still cuts it on modern roads. Quattro models are super user friendly in all weathers while rare spotted Avant estates are brilliant household appliances!

FUTURE: All are usually inexpensive, and if well-maintained very good value for money. But no classic recognition.

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