1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1978 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 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 651 cc (2 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Trabant P 601 (26 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Trabant P 601 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Trabant P 601 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 126 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 1978 Fiat 126. 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, 1968 Trabant P 601 (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Trabant P 601 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Fiat | Trabant |
| Model | 126 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2030 mm |
