1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1967 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1967 Trabant P 601 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,215 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elite (83 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1967 Trabant P 601. (23 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1967 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Lotus Elite weights approximately 45 kg more than 1967 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elite 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 1962 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 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, 1962 Lotus Elite (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1967 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Lotus | Trabant |
| Model | Elite | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 23 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2030 mm |
