1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1965 Trabant P 601 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite weights approximately 99 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 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite 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 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Trabant |
| Model | Sprite | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 24 L |
