1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Tatra T603
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 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 2,470 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1973 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Tatra T603 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Lotus | Tatra |
| Model | Esprit | T603 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
