1972 Fiat 500 vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1972 Fiat 500 is newer by 7 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 595 cc (2 cylinders), 1965 Trabant P 601 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Trabant P 601 (23 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Trabant P 601 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Trabant P 601 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 500 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 1972 Fiat 500. 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, 1965 Trabant P 601 (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1965 Trabant P 601 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Fiat | Trabant |
| Model | 500 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 24 L |
