1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 41 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 2003 Opel Vectra. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 402 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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra 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 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
