1983 Lancia Beta vs. 1959 Tatra T603
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Tatra T603 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1959 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 1959 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta, 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, 1983 Lancia Beta (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1959 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Lancia | Tatra |
| Model | Beta | T603 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2760 mm |
