1966 Trabant P 601 vs. 1975 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 135 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 1975 Volkswagen 1302 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 1975 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Trabant P 601 | 1975 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Trabant | Volkswagen |
| Model | P 601 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2410 mm |
