1980 Ford Escort vs. 1962 Tatra T603
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Tatra T603 (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Tatra T603 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Tatra T603 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1962 Tatra T603 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1962 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Ford | Tatra |
| Model | Escort | T603 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2760 mm |
