1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 30 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 57 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 175 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 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 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 317 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
