1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1965 Tatra T603
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1965 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1965 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Tatra T603 weights approximately 992 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
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, 1965 Tatra T603 (171 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1965 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1965 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Caterham | Tatra |
| Model | 7 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
