1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1991 Volvo 480
To start off, 1991 Volvo 480 is newer by 28 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 37 more horse power than 1991 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1991 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 180 kg more than 1991 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Volvo 480, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1991 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 480 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
