1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1989 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1989 Ford Meteor is newer by 26 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 75 more horse power than 1989 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Meteor.
Because 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Meteor, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Meteor. (121 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 1989 Ford Meteor. 1989 Ford Meteor 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. 1989 Ford Meteor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1989 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
