1973 Tatra T603 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1973 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1973 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Tatra T603 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1973 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 1973 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Tatra T603. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Tatra T603 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Tatra | Volkswagen |
| Model | T603 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2470 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
