1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1987 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 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, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 244 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
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) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1987 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 116 L |
