1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 21 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 6 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 92 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 525 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2693 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
