1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 48 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 656 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (600 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | E |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1836 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
