1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1996 Renault Spider 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 5 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. 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, 1996 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider 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 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Spider |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2350 mm |
