1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1998 Lotus GT 1
To start off, 1998 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 33 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (580 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 130 kg more than 1998 Lotus GT 1.
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, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus GT 1 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 | 1998 Lotus GT 1 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | GT 1 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 580 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 313 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2320 mm |
