1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 39 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 383 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
