1978 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1968 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chrysler 1609 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 Chrysler 1609. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 1609 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Trabant |
| Model | 1609 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2030 mm |
