1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Holden GTS
To start off, 1978 Holden GTS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 4,141 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Holden GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden GTS (158 HP @ 4550 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden GTS should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden GTS weights approximately 295 kg more than 1966 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, 1978 Holden GTS (327 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Holden GTS 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 | 1978 Holden GTS | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Holden |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | GTS |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4141 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
