1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1970 Ford Cortina is newer by 11 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 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (95 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 87 L |
