1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1964 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1964 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1964 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Trabant P 601. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1964 Trabant P 601 has manual transmission. 1964 Trabant P 601 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1964 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Trabant |
| Model | 450 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 24 L |
