1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1979 Buick Century
To start off, 1979 Buick Century is newer by 14 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 250 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century 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 | 1979 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Buick |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Century |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
