1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 18 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 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (204 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 380 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2860 mm |
