1959 Renault Dauphine vs. 1966 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1966 Trabant P 601 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Renault Dauphine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Renault Dauphine (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Renault Dauphine should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Renault Dauphine weights approximately 17 kg more than 1966 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1966 Trabant P 601 (53 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm). This means 1966 Trabant P 601 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Renault Dauphine | 1966 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Renault | Trabant |
| Model | Dauphine | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 24 L |
