1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, 1996 Ford Probe is newer by 31 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 28 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Probe weights approximately 50 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, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 1996 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Probe 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 | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Probe |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 58 L |
