1989 BMW 850 vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 1177 kg more than 1965 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | 850 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 24 L |
