1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL 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, 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 122 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 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, 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
