1975 Tatra T603 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1975 Tatra T603 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Tatra T603 (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Tatra T603 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Tatra T603 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 1975 Tatra T603 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Tatra T603 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Tatra | Volvo |
| Model | T603 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2610 mm |
