1971 Tatra T603 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Tatra T603 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) has 29 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Tatra T603 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Tatra T603 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1971 Tatra T603 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (114 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Tatra T603 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Tatra | Volkswagen |
| Model | T603 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
