2009 BMW M3 vs. 1965 Trabant P 601
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 44 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1965 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 1040 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 2009 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 2009 BMW M3. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1965 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | BMW | Trabant |
| Model | M3 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 24 L |
