1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 42 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 2,949 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 405 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | C |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
