1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 25 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 450 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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1988 BMW 535 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. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 535 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
