1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1989 TVR Speed Eight
To start off, 1989 TVR Speed Eight is newer by 30 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 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR Speed Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR Speed Eight 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 23 kg more than 1989 TVR Speed Eight.
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, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (340 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 TVR Speed Eight 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 | 1989 TVR Speed Eight | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | TVR |
| Model | 3000 | Speed Eight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 3947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
