1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1986 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1986 Ford Meteor is newer by 21 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 75 more horse power than 1986 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Meteor.
Because 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Meteor, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1986 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
