1957 Tatra T603 vs. 1972 Volvo 145
To start off, 1972 Volvo 145 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1957 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1957 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Tatra T603 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1972 Volvo 145.
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, 1957 Tatra T603 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Tatra T603 | 1972 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Tatra | Volvo |
| Model | T603 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2545 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
