1964 Trabant P 601 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1964 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 475 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Trabant | Volkswagen |
| Model | P 601 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 100 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 55 L |
