1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 34 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 4 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
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, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 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 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 850 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 58 L |
