East Germany vs Germany — 1959 vs 1956
| 601 S | Isetta 600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 26 hp | 19 hp |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft | 29 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 64 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 1,113 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,020 mm | 1,700 mm |
| Length | 3,560 mm | 2,830 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,700,000 | 34,813 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| 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 1956 BMW Isetta 600 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 1956 BMW Isetta 600 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 1956 BMW Isetta 600 delivering 19 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Trabant 601 uses a Inline-2 2-stroke displacing 595 cc, while the BMW Isetta 600 relies on a Flat-twin OHV with 582 cc. The 1959 Trabant 601 S claims a higher top speed at 70 mph compared to 64 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 34,813 units built, the 1956 BMW Isetta 600 is considerably scarcer than the Trabant 601's 3,700,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW Isetta 600 commands a significant premium over the 1959 Trabant 601 S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 BMW Isetta 600 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.