1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Ford LTD
To start off, 1978 Ford LTD 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 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford LTD (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford LTD weights approximately 610 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, 1978 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1978 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1978 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | LTD |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3080 mm |
