2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1966 Trabant P 601
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 40 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 1,311 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1966 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1966 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 514 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 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1966 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Mazda | Trabant |
| Model | RX-8 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 24 L |
