1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 23 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 17 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (129 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 266 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 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. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
