1964 Trabant P 601 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1964 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 200 kg more than 1964 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Triumph Spitfire 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 1979 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Trabant P 601 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Trabant | Triumph |
| Model | P 601 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 33 L |
