2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Tatra T603
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1961 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 225 kg more than 1961 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 641 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Tatra T603. (159 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tatra |
| Model | SL | T603 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5506 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
