1997 Mercury Mystique vs. 1968 Tatra T603
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1968 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1968 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Tatra T603 weights approximately 157 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Because 1968 Tatra T603 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Tatra T603. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Tatra T603. 1997 Mercury Mystique has automatic transmission and 1968 Tatra T603 has manual transmission. 1968 Tatra T603 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercury Mystique will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Mystique | 1968 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Mercury | Tatra |
| Model | Mystique | T603 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
