1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1965 Trabant P 601 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1965 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 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 1955 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Trabant P 601, 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Austin | Trabant |
| Model | A 55 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2030 mm |
