1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Volvo 66
To start off, 1978 Volvo 66 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 @ 5250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 360 kg more than 1978 Volvo 66. 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. 1978 Volvo 66 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 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 66 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
