1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1969 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III 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 93 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 170 kg more than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1969 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
