1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1983 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 17 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 89 more horse power than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 260 kg more than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. 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, 1983 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (105 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1983 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
