1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1974 Tatra T603
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1974 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1974 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, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Tatra T603. (171 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Tatra T603. 1996 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1974 Tatra T603 has manual transmission. 1974 Tatra T603 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1974 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Tatra |
| Model | XK8 | T603 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
