1971 Tatra T603 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 41 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1971 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 420 kg more than 1971 Tatra T603. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Tatra T603. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1971 Tatra T603 has manual transmission. 1971 Tatra T603 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Tatra T603 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Tatra | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | T603 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2875 mm |
