1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 43 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 51 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
