1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2000 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise 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, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2000 Lotus Elise. (143 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 2000 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 460 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise. 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Elise |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| 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 | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 36 L |
