1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 40 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 396 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2003 Ford Mustang 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. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
