1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1977 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 290 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
