1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 45 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 50 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 61 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (335 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1421 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 170 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 | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
