1955 Tatra T603 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 510 more horse power than 1955 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 596 kg more than 1955 Tatra T603. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 841 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Tatra T603 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Tatra | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | T603 | SL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2545 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
