1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1965 Trabant P 601 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 939 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 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Trabant |
| Model | Bel Air | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2030 mm |
