1966 Trabant P 601 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 44 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1692 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.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Trabant | Volkswagen |
| Model | P 601 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 55 L |
