The Tatra 30 was powered by an OHV air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine of 1679 cc, positioned at the front and giving a claimed output of 24 PS (17.6 kW).

The Tatra 30 Sport was powered by an engine of a similar design, but with 1910 cc, which gave it 32–35 PS (23.5–25.7 kW).

This was a transitory mid-version before the production of the successor fully began.

The Tatra 30 featured a central backbone chassis, a hallmark of chief designer Ledwinka: the front axle was supported by a transverse leaf spring while a second transverse leaf spring supported the swing rear half-axle.

The gearbox and engine are mounted in front of the backbone tube, while the differential is at the rear.