1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 308 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 300 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
