1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 35 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, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 238 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.
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, 2000 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Ford Contour (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour 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 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Contour |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
