1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Chrysler Valiant
To start off, 1978 Chrysler Valiant is newer by 13 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 240 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, 1978 Chrysler Valiant (277 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler Valiant 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 | 1978 Chrysler Valiant | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chrysler |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
