1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine 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 66 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 120 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. Let's talk about torque, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Sunbeam |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
