1955 Tatra T603 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 57 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 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1955 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Tatra T603 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 BMW 118.
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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Tatra T603 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Tatra | BMW |
| Model | T603 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2545 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
