1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1965 Trabant P 601 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Lotus Seven weights approximately 135 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 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Lotus | Trabant |
| Model | Seven | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 24 L |
