1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1981 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1981 Lincoln Continental is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 675 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1981 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1981 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lincoln |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Continental |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2990 mm |
