1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 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 12 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 40 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
