1998 Ford Contour vs. 1965 Tatra T603
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 33 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1965 Tatra T603. (104 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1965 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Tatra T603 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1965 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 1965 Tatra T603. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Tatra T603. (171 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1965 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Ford | Tatra |
| Model | Contour | T603 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
