1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Omega
To start off, 1979 Oldsmobile Omega is newer by 13 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 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 57 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Omega. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Omega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 50 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Omega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Omega, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Omega (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Omega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1979 Oldsmobile Omega has automatic transmission and 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Omega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1979 Oldsmobile Omega | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Omega |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
