1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 36 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 444 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 20 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.
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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | W12 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 350 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
