1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr 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 70 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 10 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
