1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1981 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 1981 Dodge Mirada is newer by 18 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 520 kg more than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 | 1981 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Dodge |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Mirada |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2870 mm |
