1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 38 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 2,912 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 74 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 64 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
