1956 Tatra T603 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Tatra T603. (95 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Tatra T603 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1956 Tatra T603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Tatra T603 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Tatra | Volkswagen |
| Model | T603 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2545 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
