1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 27 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (226 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 302 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.
Because 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (351 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 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 | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Saab |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 66 L |
