1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 49 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 78 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 240 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 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. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 500 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 35 L |
