1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 85 kg more than 1965 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Lotus | Trabant |
| Model | Elan | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 24 L |
