1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 16 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 512 kg more 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
