1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1964 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1964 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 833 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Trabant P 601. 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1964 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Ford | Trabant |
| Model | Thunderbird | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 24 L |
