From that time period, I'd use a Maico or CZ in the comparison.
Sorry, partial to Maico's from the late seventies up to and including '81 490.
Interestingly enough, a lot of guys switched back to the Japanese bikes starting in '82. Why? Still very peaky compared to the European bikes, but ala Bob Hannah and others, all the top American rides started incorporating a new riding style. That is, exit the corners one gear higher than normal and brutalize the clutch. Kind of mitigated the narrow powerband.
Tom, thanks for the link--that was interesting.