1968 Trabant P 601 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 675 kg more than 1968 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 (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Trabant P 601 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Trabant | Volkswagen |
| Model | P 601 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 55 L |
