East Germany vs Germany — 1959 vs 1955
| 601 S | Isetta 300 Microcar | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 26 hp | 13 hp |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft | 13 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 298 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 53 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 772 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,020 mm | 1,500 mm |
| Length | 3,560 mm | 2,285 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,700,000 | 161,728 |
| Original MSRP | — | $1,048 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1959 Trabant 601 S brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar 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 Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1959 Trabant 601 S versus 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar 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 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar delivering 13 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Trabant 601 uses a Inline-2 2-stroke displacing 595 cc, while the BMW Isetta 300 relies on a Single-cylinder 4-stroke with 298 cc. The 1959 Trabant 601 S claims a higher top speed at 70 mph compared to 53 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 161,728 units built, the 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar is considerably scarcer than the Trabant 601's 3,700,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar commands a significant premium over the 1959 Trabant 601 S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1955 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.