1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1966 Pontiac GTO is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 242 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1966 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | GTO |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2930 mm |
