1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1974 Mercury Comet is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 40 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet 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 | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Comet |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |
