1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 13 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 744 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 1978 AMC Pacer 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 1978 AMC Pacer. 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | AMC | Trabant |
| Model | Pacer | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 24 L |
