1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 180 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Sapphire | 3000 Mk III |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
