1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1968 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1968 Ford GT 40 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford GT 40 (424 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1968 Ford GT 40.
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, 1968 Ford GT 40 (637 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford GT 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1968 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 424 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 125 L |
