1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 15 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 217 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
