| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1964 |
| Production Years: | 1963 - 1990 discontinued in 1990 |
Precise measurements of the 1964 Trabant P 601, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3510 mm138.2 in11.5 ft |
| Width: | 1510 mm59.4 in5.0 ft |
| Height: | 1440 mm56.7 in4.7 ft |
| Trunk Capacity (Max): | 415 liter14.7 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 615 kg1356 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1000 kg2205 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 4JX13H-45 |
| Tire Size: | 145/80 SR13 (W:145 | H:80 | D:13) |
The Trabant P 601, produced from 1963 to 1990, is a compact sedan that became an iconic vehicle in East Germany and other Eastern Bloc countries. Its overall length measures 3510 mm (138.2 inches), width is 1510 mm (59.4 inches), and height stands at 1440 mm (56.7 inches), making it a very compact and lightweight car ideal for urban use and narrow streets common in Eastern European cities. With a curb weight of only 615 kg (1356 lbs) and a maximum allowable weight of 1000 kg (2204 lbs), the P 601 is renowned for its simplicity and low weight, contributing to its fuel efficiency and ease of handling. The luggage capacity behind the rear seats, especially when folded down, reaches 415 liters (14.6 cubic feet), offering reasonable cargo space relative to its small footprint. The vehicle rides on 13-inch rims sized 4JX13H-45 fitted with tires measuring 145/80 SR13, balancing size and comfort on often rough road surfaces of the era. Overall, the Trabant P 601 sedan represents a significant piece of automotive history with compact dimensions that emphasize practicality and minimalism, making it a distinctive model in the lineage of Eastern European cars.
Discover the standout features that make the 1964 Trabant P 601 a leader in its class
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The Trabant P 601 measures 3510 mm (138.2 inches) in length, 1510 mm (59.4 inches) in width, and 1440 mm (56.7 inches) in height. These compact dimensions made it well suited for urban driving, fitting comfortably in tight spaces. Compared to modern compact cars, which tend to be larger, the Trabant P 601 is notably smaller and narrower, emphasizing its design focus on simplicity and efficiency during its production period from 1963 to 1990.
The Trabant P 601 has a curb weight of 615 kg (1356 lbs), which is very light compared to many other vehicles, even from its era. This lightweight construction contributed to better fuel efficiency and manageable performance with its small two-stroke engine, allowing it to run economically. However, the low weight also affected ride stability and safety, as it provided less mass to absorb impacts during collisions.
The Trabant P 601's maximum weight rating is 1000 kg (2205 lbs), which includes the vehicle's curb weight of 615 kg plus passengers, cargo, and fuel. This means it can safely carry an additional 385 kg (849 lbs) of load. Given its relatively modest size and weight limits, it was primarily designed to accommodate up to four passengers and modest cargo loads without overburdening the vehicle's small engine and suspension.
With the rear seats folded down, the Trabant P 601 offers a luggage capacity of approximately 415 liters (14.65 cubic feet). This increased cargo space was practical for carrying larger items despite the car’s compact overall size. The design was efficient for everyday errands and small utility uses, providing surprising versatility for a subcompact sedan during its production years.
The Trabant P 601 has a width of 1510 mm (59.4 inches) and a height of 1440 mm (56.7 inches). Its narrow width aids in maneuvering through tight city streets and narrow parking spots, an advantage especially in densely populated urban areas. The moderate height ensures a balanced center of gravity, aiding stability, while still allowing reasonable headroom inside this compact vehicle.
Yes, the Trabant P 601 fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Standard garage door widths typically start around 2438 mm (96 inches), while the P 601 is only 1510 mm (59.4 inches) wide, leaving ample clearance on either side for door opening and access. At 3510 mm (138.2 inches) long, it also fits well within typical garage length dimensions, generally over 4800 mm (189 inches). Owners will find it easy to store indoors without space concerns.
Compared to its predecessor, the Trabant P 50 and P 60 models, the P 601 maintained a similar compact footprint but introduced incremental improvements in design and structure. The dimensions remained close, with minor changes optimizing interior space and overall usability. Weight increased slightly to 615 kg from earlier variants, reflecting some additional reinforcements and features, but the car stayed true to its lightweight philosophy. This made the P 601 more refined while retaining the original Trabant’s core compactness.
The Trabant P 601 shares similarities in compact size and simplistic engineering with other Eastern European subcompact sedans from its time, such as the Polski Fiat 126 or the Lada 2101. It is generally smaller and lighter than these competitors, with more basic mechanics and less power but significantly better fuel efficiency and maneuverability. While the P 601 is more rudimentary in design, its small dimensions allowed it to excel in heavily urbanized environments where space and fuel economy were critical.
The Trabant P 601 is equipped with tire size 145/80 SR13 mounted on 4JX13H-45 rims. The relatively narrow 145 mm (5.7 inches) width and 13-inch diameter rims contribute to a firm but simple ride quality typical of cars from its era, optimizing lightness and basic handling physics. These dimensions provided decent road grip on urban roads but limited performance on rough terrain or at higher speeds. Overall, the tire and rim setup balances economy and functionality suitable for the P 601's lightweight build.
The Trabant P 601 was produced between 1963 and 1990, a notably long production period for one generation. Throughout these years, the car saw minimal design changes, mostly focusing on minor technical updates and small cosmetic tweaks rather than major redesigns. This longevity underscores its role as a basic, affordable, and easy-to-maintain vehicle widely used in East Germany and beyond. Despite its dated technology by the late 1980s, the P 601 remained one of the most recognizable symbols of its era.
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