1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta
To start off, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 10 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 507 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fairthorpe |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 209 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 | 673 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2230 mm |
