1968 Trabant P 601 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 37 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 875 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.
Because 2005 BMW 525 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 2005 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 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 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Trabant | BMW |
| Model | P 601 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 70 L |
