1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1997 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 1997 Lancia Zeta is newer by 34 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 1 more horse power than 1997 Lancia Zeta. (145 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1997 Lancia Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 470 kg more than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1997 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Lancia Zeta 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 | 1997 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
