1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1959 Berkeley QB
To start off, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 799 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III 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 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1959 Berkeley QB | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Berkeley |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | QB |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 1990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 25 L |
