1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 51 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 722 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 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 | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | M3 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
