The following article examines whether an aggregate comparison (i.e. without discriminating by subject) of university performance in the FRG resulting in a ranking of universities is feasible. First, methods of efficiency measurement are reviewed and possible indicators discussed. In the next part, five indicators are extracted for empirical analysis from a catalogue of ten indicators. Even these have to be used carefully. The last chapter presents results of the analysis. In short, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Of the five indicators, none represents a single comprehensive measure of research performance. 2. An aggregate measurement of university research performance, if feasible at all, has to be carried out separately for institutes of technology, universities and comprehensive institutions. 3. Even then, a number of serious statistical problems arise in regard to the methods subsequently applied.