1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 23 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 264 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 260 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
