1973 Tatra T603 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,470 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1973 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1973 Tatra T603.
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 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Tatra T603. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1973 Tatra T603 has manual transmission. 1973 Tatra T603 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Tatra T603 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Tatra | BMW |
| Model | T603 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2470 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
