1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1961 Tatra T603
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1961 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Tatra T603 weights approximately 774 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 1961 Tatra T603 (159 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1961 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Lotus | Tatra |
| Model | Elan | T603 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2760 mm |
