1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 19 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 642 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari 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. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
