1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 410 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (279 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
