1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1984 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1984 Ferrari 208 is newer by 25 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, 1984 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 142 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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, 1984 Ferrari 208 (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari 208 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 | 1984 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ferrari |
| Model | 3000 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| 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 | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 74 L |
