1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II
To start off, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II weights approximately 213 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 100 | 3000 Mk II |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
