1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 458 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 886 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 833 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
