1972 Tatra T603 vs. 2010 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1972 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1972 Tatra T603. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Tatra T603. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Tatra T603 | 2010 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Tatra | Volkswagen |
| Model | T603 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3010 mm |
