1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1958 Tatra T603
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1958 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Tatra T603 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1958 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Lotus | Tatra |
| Model | Elise | T603 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
