1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is newer by 8 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 5,563 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (290 HP) has 161 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
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, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (468 Nm) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm). This means 1970 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda has automatic transmission and 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II has manual transmission. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1970 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Plymouth |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5563 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 290 HP |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 102.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
