1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 25 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 240 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.
Because 1964 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 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 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. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 164 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
