1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1970 Lotus Seven is newer by 7 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 @ 5250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 590 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 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 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Seven |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 34 L |
