1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1998 Ford Probe
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 36 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 14 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 72 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, 1998 Ford Probe, 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, 1998 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe 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 | 1998 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Probe |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
