1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1954 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 235 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 100 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2290 mm |
