1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 48 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 605 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 534 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2585 mm |
