1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1956 Ford Consul
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 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul 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 95 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 94 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. 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, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1956 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Consul |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 47 L |
