1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 16 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 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 435 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 380 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
