1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang 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 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 42 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 27 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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
