1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 14 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 45 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 80 kg more than 1980 Chrysler 1609. 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, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler 1609. 1980 Chrysler 1609 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. 1980 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chrysler |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
