1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 25 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 501 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2570 mm |
