1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 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 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) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 215 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 131 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2500 mm |
