The aim of this in vitro study was to describe the shaping ability of rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments (Mtwo, VDW, Munich, Germany) with benefi cial properties in combination with two different endodontic devices (Mtwo direct and Endo IT professional) and to compare them with Mity NiTi K-Files (Loser, Leverkusen, Germany) in combination with preparation by hand in severely curved simulated root canals of acrylic blocks. Thirty blocks simulating a severely curved root canal were divided into three groups (n=10 for each). All canals were prepared with NiTi fi les to an ISO size of 40 using an apical-coronal preparation technique. Mtwo NiTi fi les were used for the automatic systems, while Mity K-Files were used for the preparation by hand. We evaluated the frequency of instrument failure, the preparation time, loss of working length, loss of weight, elbow-zip effects, and changes in root canal anatomy. The data were analysed statistically using one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). No instrument failures were observed. The preparation time was signifi cantly longer when preparing by hand (16.64 min) than for both automatic systems, which did not differ signifi cantly. Loss of working length could be detected for all systems (0.3-0.4mm for Mtwo instruments and 1.3mm for Mity K-Files), in which differences between the systems were not statistically, but possibly clinically, signifi cant. Irrespective of the torque-controlled motor, the shape of the canal anatomy was not retained with the Mtwo instruments nor with the Mity K-Files by hand preparation. The Mtwo fi les in combination with the automatic preparation of root canals with both systems caused an audible material loss in comparison to the Mity K-File. This was especially evident when comparing the material removal on the inner side and outside of the root canal curvature. Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that the torque-limited rotation handpiece Mtwo direct can be seen as an alternative to the electric low-torque control motor and is superior to hand preparation due to shorter preparation times and lower working length losses.