1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema 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 16 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema.
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 Lancia Thema, 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (240 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1986 Lancia Thema 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. 1986 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Thema |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 73 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
