1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 125 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1998 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 | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
