1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II weights approximately 378 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. 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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Porsche |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 356 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 79 L |
