East Germany vs Germany — 1959 vs 1964
| 601 S | 601 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 26 hp | 26 hp |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft | 35 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 594 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.0 sec | 36.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 62 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | 32.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,356 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,020 mm | 2,020 mm |
| Length | 3,560 mm | 3,360 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,700,000 | 2,818,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| 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 1964 Trabant 601 Sedan answers with stronger collectibility, better value. 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 1959 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 1959 Trabant 601 S producing 26 hp and the 1964 Trabant 601 Sedan delivering 26 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Trabant 601 S edges ahead at 21.0 seconds versus 36.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.