1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1978 Mazda 929 is newer by 19 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 34 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000.
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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2620 mm |
