1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1952 BMW 501
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1952 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 501 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
