1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 350 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.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 300 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
