1956 Porsche 550 A 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 Porsche 550 A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 550 A would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 550 A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 550 A (108 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 550 A should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Trabant P 601 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1956 Porsche 550 A.
Because 1956 Porsche 550 A 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 Porsche 550 A. 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 Porsche 550 A | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Porsche | Trabant |
| Model | 550 A | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 605 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2030 mm |
