1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Tatra T603
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 29 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, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1959 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Tatra T603 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | BMW | Tatra |
| Model | M3 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
