1978 BMW 520 vs. 1966 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1966 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW 520 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 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 1966 Trabant P 601 | |
Make | BMW | Trabant |
Model | 520 | P 601 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 23 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 53 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1520 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2030 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 24 L |