2003 BMW M3 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 35 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 770 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 2003 BMW M3 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 2003 BMW M3. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | M3 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 24 L |
