1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1974 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 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 59 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II weights approximately 303 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II 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 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1974 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
