1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1956 Ferrari 255 S
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 255 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 255 S 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, 1956 Ferrari 255 S (208 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ferrari 255 S should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 330 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 255 S.
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 | 1956 Ferrari 255 S | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ferrari |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 255 S |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 159 L |
