1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1953 Buick 40
To start off, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,315 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1953 Buick 40. (123 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1953 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Buick 40 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1953 Buick 40 (304 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1953 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1953 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Buick |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 40 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 104.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3090 mm |
