1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 502 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
