1998 BMW 318 vs. 1966 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 32 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 830 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 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1966 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | 318 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 24 L |
