1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1971 Tatra T603
To start off, 1971 Tatra T603 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Tatra T603 (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Tatra T603 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Tatra T603 weights approximately 900 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. 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, 1971 Tatra T603 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1971 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1971 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Abarth | Tatra |
| Model | 850 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2760 mm |
