1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 44 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, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 100 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2008 BMW 523 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. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 523 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
