1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 22 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 16 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 160 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 230 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
