1959 BMW 503 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1968 Trabant P 601 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1968 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 503 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 1959 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | 503 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 24 L |
