East Germany vs Spain — 1959 vs 1957
| 601 S | 600 D | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 26 hp | 25 hp |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft | 32 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 767 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.0 sec | 50.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 62 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | 30.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,290 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,020 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 3,560 mm | 3,285 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,700,000 | 797,319 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1959 Trabant 601 S brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1957 SEAT 600 D answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between East Germany and Spain automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1959 Trabant 601 S versus 1957 SEAT 600 D is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1959 Trabant 601 S producing 26 hp and the 1957 SEAT 600 D delivering 25 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Trabant 601 uses a Inline-2 2-stroke displacing 595 cc, while the SEAT 600 relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 767 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Trabant 601 S edges ahead at 21.0 seconds versus 50.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 797,319 units built, the 1957 SEAT 600 D is considerably scarcer than the Trabant 601's 3,700,000 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 SEAT 600 D rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.