1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 15 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 211 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 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 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | M5 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
