1975 Tatra T603 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1975 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1975 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 93 kg more than 1975 Tatra T603. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Tatra T603. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1975 Tatra T603 has manual transmission. 1975 Tatra T603 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Tatra T603 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Tatra | Volkswagen |
| Model | T603 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2712 mm |
