1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 18 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 532 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1980 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. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
