1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1977 Fiat 126
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 14 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 122 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 592 kg more than 1977 Fiat 126. 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1977 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 126 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 1850 mm |
