1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1973 Tatra T603
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 6 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1973 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1973 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1973 Tatra T603. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Tatra T603. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1973 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tatra |
| Model | 380 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
