1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 39 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 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 572 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
