1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 38 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 330 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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (229 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
