1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1975 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 416 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
