1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1973 Tatra T603
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 17 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1973 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 145 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Tatra T603. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1973 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tatra |
| Model | 500 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 404 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 | 1615 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2760 mm |
