1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1973 BMW 3 is newer by 10 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 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 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 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 3 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
