1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1980 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 TVR Tasmin (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 163 kg more than 1980 TVR Tasmin.
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 TVR Tasmin (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | TVR |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1017 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
