1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 44 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 547 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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 2003 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
