1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 495 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | S |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2870 mm |
