1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
To start off, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 235 kg more than 1955 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, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 100 | 3000 Mk III |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1966 |
| 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 | 89 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 54 L |
