East Germany vs Germany — 1957 vs 1964
| 601 | 601 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 26 hp | 26 hp |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft | 35 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 594 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 30.0 sec | 36.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 62 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 27.0 sec | 32.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,356 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,020 mm | 2,020 mm |
| Length | 3,555 mm | 3,360 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,700,000 | 2,818,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Trabant 601 brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1964 Trabant 601 Sedan answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Trabant 601. The 1957 and 1964 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1957 Trabant 601 producing 26 hp and the 1964 Trabant 601 Sedan delivering 26 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Trabant 601 uses a Inline-2 Two-Stroke displacing 594 cc, while the Trabant 601 relies on a Inline-2 2-stroke with 594 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Trabant 601 edges ahead at 30.0 seconds versus 36.0 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.