1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 12 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 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 900 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Trabant |
| Model | 500 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 24 L |
