1983 BMW 525 vs. 1966 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 17 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 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 635 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 1983 BMW 525 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 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1966 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | 525 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 24 L |
